5COR JF*I<® 



tl-iU 



"SAUL" 



A TRAGEDY r 



u. s 



, BOARD Of TAX APPE^ALS^ 



IN THREE ACTS "admitted in eviden 



BY 



DIV.-^r-— DOCKETSKWc 

ADMITTED IN EVIDENT' * * l 

v/lAY 3 1 1932 

! K£TlTIONEyft — 



EXH«WT^2r-2. 

RESPO NDENT'S 
JOHN ARMSTRONG CHALOJ^TEir"™*"™ 



)N1 



AUTHOR OF 



SCORPIO" 



"Proclaim ye this among tke Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the 
mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: 

Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into 
spears: let the weak say, I am strong." 

— Joel, iii, 9-10. 



PALMETTO PRESS: 

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina 

Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen 

FIFTY CENTS 






copyright 
PaI/Metto Press 
1915. 



P) 



JI.A41S74 



DEC 24 1915 



PROLOGUE TO " SAUL." 

These two Tragedies — begun November first, last — and 
finished last night, in their order — are written with a view to 
carrying out, nowadays, what the great protector and guard- 
ian of Art and Letters — the Roman Catholic Church — did in 
the Middles Ages with her Miracle Plays and Mysteries — in a 
word — to borrow modern vernacular — putting the Bible on 
the boards. 

These plays are written in the most reverent — even de- 
vout — spirit. The author believes the Bible from Genesis to 
Revelation. He therefore believes — in borrowing — as he does 
wherever the Sacred Text touches either of these Tragedies — 
from that Marvellous Storehouse of beauty, spirituality, and 
truth — that he is citing the precise and actual words of God. 
For that reason, he has refrained from changing one solitary 
line, or even one solitary word, in the greatest passages in the 
Scriptures, where said passages touch each Tragedy. 

For example, in the Tragedy of "Saul." The marvellous, 
mysterious and awful words of the Prophet Samuel, when his 
spirit rises from the dead, at the call of the only bona fide 
Necromancer — save He of Nazareth — History holds record 
of — namely, the Witch of Endor — the awful words of the 
Prophet Samuel are embodied verbatim, in the text — and— 
strange to say — the lines are — with the exception of a solitary 
one, which is one syllable short of ten syllables — and now and 
then an Alexandrine — pentameters — tho' not iambic penta- 
meters. The desire of the author has been to, so to speak, 
"strip" the Scriptures of every line and every word bearing 
on each Tragedy. Where there were groups of words — say 
three or four — which, of course, could not of themselves make 
up a line containing ten or eleven syllables — they were woven 
into the verse hy means of the addition of enough words to 
help out the line in question. 

The dialogues between David and Jonathan are practi- 
cally verbatim — with the above noted variation, when neces- 
sity required — and when necessity required only. The same 
is true of the dialogues between Saul and David, as well as 



4 SAUL 

between Saul and Jonathan and Saul and the Witch of En- 
dor. 

In the Tragedy of "Saul and David," the dramatic Scrip- 
tural account of the slaying of Goliath of Gath is put in al- 
most verbatim. The wonderfully sad and wonderfully beau- 
tiful dialogue between Saul and David, at night, on the Hill 
of Hachilah, after David has made that dauntless descent by 
night into the very centre of the camp of the dreaded King, 
and taken as tokens of his presence the royal spear and cruse 
from beside the bolster of the sleeping monarch — is put in 
verbatim. Also, the dialogue between Saul and Ahimelech. 
Also, that wonderfully dramatic passage which shows Saul: 
"in Gibeah . . . under a tree in Kamah, having his spear in 
his hand, and all his servants were standing about him ; Then 
Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, 
ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you 
fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, 
and captains of hundreds." (I Samuel, XXII— 6-7.) Which 
royal and eloquent appeal moves the adamantine soul of the 
implacable Doeg, the Edomite — formerly the "Chief est of the 
herdmen" of Saul, now — risen with the fortunes of his 
mighty master — "set over the servants of Saul." The sole 
liberty f the author has taken with the Sacred Text— in either 
Tragedy — is the extension of the two following verses, into 
the Scriptural account of David's hasty stop at the City of 
p r i es ts — at Nob — when fleeing before the wrath of Saul: and 
his dialogue — verbatim — with the Priest Ahimelech, and re- 
quest of him of the shewbread, and the sword of his former 
adversary, Goliath of Gath : I Samuel XXI, 1-9 : the said two 
verses to-wit : "Then answered Doeg, the Edomite, which was 
set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse 
coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he en- 
quired of the Lord for him, and gave him victuals, and gave 
him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." 

In fact, the author has jealously sought to preserve the 
Sacred Text entire, wherever the laws of Prosody — stretched 
even to their widest limits— would tolerate it. In short, the 
awful tragedv of Saul and David— as portrayed in the First 



tSave where— in "Saul" Act I— Samuel says to David that he will 
appear to him no more on earth — save in a dream. 



SAUL 5 

Book of Samuel — is, in the aforesaid Tragedies, faithfully set 
forth. 

In a word, these Tragedies are a work of love and rever- 
ence — upon the part of the author — for the Divine Book from 
whence they sprang: and, as a slight testimony of the help 
that Book has been to him, all through his life of fifty-three 
years — surely a stormy one — from the time his Mother — who 
died when he was a boy of twelve years — gave him the first 
book he ever possessed — a Bible. 

JOHN AEMSTEONG CHALONEE, 

"The Merry Mills" 
Cobham, 
Albemarle County, 
November 23, 1915. Virginia. 



"S A U L." 

A Tragedy 
In Three Acts. 

DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
Saul. King of Israel. 

Samuel. The Prophet. Former Judge of Israel. 
Jonathan. Son of Saul, and Heir-Apparent to the Throne 

of Israel. 
David. The Son of Jesse. 
Doeg. The Edomite, Formerly Chief Herdsman of Saul. 

Now Head of Saul's Body-Guard. 
Abner. Commander of the Army of Saul, and Saul's 

Cousin. 
The Witch or Endor. 
Rizpah. Saul's Queen and Concubine. 
Michal. Princess of the House of Saul. Later, Wife of 

David. 

Place: Palestine. 



Act I. Scene I. 

Time; An hour before sunrise. 

(The Royal Palace in Gibeah of Saul. Saul's bedroom. 
This room is large and lofty. The only door in the 
room is at the rear. At the right of the stage is 
Saul's bed. A wide low couch having over it hangings of 
silk, of Tyrian purple. As the curtain rises Saul is discov- 
ered tossing uneasily on his couch. The coverings of said 
couch are merely soft dark green stuff resembling blankets 
but much lighter in texture. The night robe of Saul differs 
only from his Kingly robe in being simpler in design — the cut 
is the same namely reaching to the feet and slightly open at 
the neck. The texture is the finest lamb's wool dyed a deep 
red. There is a hanging lamp of antique pattern, of solid 
silver suspended by a silver chain in the centre of the room 
depending from the rafters of the ceiling. Saul's spear is at 
his couch's head by his right hand. His sword is suspended 
from a post at his left. His shield rests by the spear. In a 
corner is seen his helmet and breastplate. His clothing is 
thrown in a confused mass upon a smaller couch across the 
room. After tossing uneasily for a few moments the King 
awakes with a start and gazes wildly about him. He breathes 
heavily and almost instantly grasps his spear, leaping out of 
bed at the same time and gazing with fierce penetrating 
glances into every comer of the room which is bare of all fur- 
niture except what has been described'). 

Saul. By Almighty God my soul in torment is! 

The Spirit from the Lord doth torment me 
The Spirit foul sent at Jehovah's word 
To punish me for sparing Amalek — 
For harkening unto the people's wish 
That I spare Agag and his mighty herds 



S A U L 

Of sheep and oxen fat as Bashan's bulls 
To make a sacrifice unto the Lord 
In place of killing everything that breathed 
As Jah ordained byth' mouth of Samuel. 
From that day forth am I a haunted man ! 
Haunted by this foul Demon from the Pit 
Which preys upon me when I wake or sleep. 
Anon It goes and I am Saul again 
Saul King of Israel — afraid of naught ! 
Anon It swoops upon me like a vulture foul 
And drags my soul unto the depths of Hell — 
Where it is smothered in a sea of woe — 
Unnerves my courage and unmans my soul 
Making me fearful as a timid maid 
Afraid to see her shadow in the dusk — 
When only stars are out and moon there's none. 
Anon It tortures me and makes me fierce — 
Fierce to shed blood — and shed it out of hand — 
That instant — while the mood doth prey on me. 
Nought can I do to master the vile Thing — 
Save that I will not let It make me kill. 
Would to the Lord It would take human shape 
That I might grapple It and take Its life 
Or pierce it with my spear and see It die 
And rid me of Its Hellish tyranny. 
Mine health is sound in body as in mind 
/ knoio what aileth me and thus am sane 
And that this 111 will go — (a sombre pause) but — 

come — again. 
(After a pause) I'll call me Doeg the stout 

Edomite 
His stolid countenance doth hearten me 
To face the worst Jehovah e'en can send. 
Ho! Doeg. Thou Benjamite — come to thy King. 
(Enter Doeg in full armour, with a spear in his 
right hand, and a shield on his arm — his sword 
at his side. Doeg is a powerful man of sullen 
and forbidding countenance. In the prime of 
life. He has a scar running across his 
shaven face from the left eye-brow, dotvn his 
left cheek and across his chin made by a sivord 



• SAUL 9 

stroke in tattle. His voice is a low harsh gut- 
ter al. He bows low to the King and says) : 
Doeg. An 't please the King his servant stands at hand. 

Saul. Well come stout Doeg. G — d ! my soul's in Hell 

Tossing and tumbling in her waves of flame — 
I dreamed I'd lost the crown — and then awoke. 
Doeg. (Smiling grimly) Dreams go by contraries, my 

mighty liege 
Dismiss the dream and be thyself once more — 
That self that is the Host of Israel's pride! 
To follow into battle at thy call — 
To hear thy clarion voice wild sound the charge 
As thou dost leap upon the sons of Amalek 
As leaps a leopard on a mountain ram ! 

(Saul sighs deeply and begins to pace the cham- 
ber in long stately strides carrying his javelin 
at arm? s length, grasped in the middle — the 
muscles of his powerful wrist standing out 
like cords, as he grips the spear — the arm rigid 
as though about to spring into a relaxed atti- 
tude and hurl the weapon.) 
Saul. Thy words, stout Doeg, do recall the joy 

I ever feel when battle's in the wind. 
But I would speak with Rizpah — call my Queen 
I long to gaze upon her dauntless face — 
That face as proud as it is beautiful 
That face that facing Death would smile in scorn 
And bid the King of Terrors do his worst. 
Doeg. (Bowing loio) I go my liege to notify the Queen. 

(Exit). 
Saul. Now shall my sombre spirit find repose. 

(Pacing slowly up and down the apartment, but 
far less tragically. His arm relaxed. The 
spear carried at a trail. He has hardly taken 
three turns of the room before Doeg enters and, 
bowing low says in a low subdued voice) — 
Doeg. My mighty liege — the Queen. 

(There is a soft rustling sound heard and Rizpah 
enters clothed in a loose dark gown hastily 
thrown on. (Exit Doeg.) She is a tall, stately 
woman of a beautiful but stern countenance. 



10 



SAUL 



Her hair is hanging loosely about her shoul- 
ders, and is as dark and lustrous as her eyes. 
Her gait is slow and stately characterized by 
an undulating feline movement suggestive of a 
panther in its grace and, reserve force. She 
somewhat hastens her usually slow, dignified 
movement as she enters the chamber and says 
— after crossing her hands upon her breast and 
bowing her head slightly as she advances — in 
slow low tones which have an arresting quality 
— a quality which suggests coldness and cruel- 
ty concealed under a mask of steel. At the 
same time there is a lurking vibration in the 
timbre of her voice which suggests depths of 
passion when the occasion appeals to her heart. 
Eizpah. My lord did send for me and I am here. 

(Saul sighs happily and striding hastily to the 
couch places the spear in its usual position at 
its head. He then approaches the Queen with 
his arms extended. She notes the gesture and 
with a lithe sinuous movement springs swiftly 
toward him throwing her arms about his neck 
as she rests her head upon his breast. Saul 
sighs again profoundly and strokes her dark 
hair with his hand for a few moments. He 
then raises her face to his and kissing her long 
and passionately upon the lips says — after she 
has returned the caress with passionate tender- 
ness — straining him to her bosom — and wrap- 
ping her arms about him— 
Saul. Daughter of Aiah — Eizpah — thoirrt well named 

My passion-stone thou warm'st my frozen soul ! 
Eizpah. My King ! My glory ! I am ever here 
To do thy bidding be it what it may ! 
Saul. There spoke my bride — there spoke my soul's de- 

light ! 
My love — my dove — my lily of the field ! 
Sweet as the honeycomb are thy rich lips 
Whose sweetness drowns the bitterness of life 
As dripping honey kills the sting in wine ! 



SAUL 



11 



Give me thy lips again, they soothe my soul 
As oil and unguents lull a throbbing wound. 

{Embraces her once more long and passionately. 
Upon releasing her the Queen steps back a 
pace and regards Saul attentively. As she 
does so her face hardens and a look of deadly 
malignity gradually, slowly, spreads over her 
beautiful face driving away all hint of the pas- 
sion which had but recently adorned and 
softened it. Slowly she hisses out in a low 
deadly whisper) : 
Hizpah. Th 1 accursed Thing hath been at thee again! 

(Saul starts violently. Swiftly recovers himself 
and with it his natural air of haughty stern- 
ness. He says nothing for some moments. 
Meanwhile Rizpah continues to gaze upon him 
— her wonderful eyes dilating in their eager- 
ness to pierce the mask of coldness which has 
instantly — upon hearing Rizpah's words — 
spreads itself over Saul's handsome but omin- 
ous countenance. Finally Saul says in icy 
tones) : 
Saul. Woman dar'st thou transgress my strict command 

Dar'st touch upon this dark forbidden Thing! 
(The Queen shrinks before Saul's fierce glance 
and icy stern tones. She bows her head and 
crossing her hands across her beautiful breast, 
which has become slightly displayed by the 
ardour of Saul's and her own embrace, owing 
to the haste with which the loose robe — cover- 
ing her full beautiful figure — had been thrown 
on, says in low subdued tones in which her re- 
cent anger is submerged in fear and humility) : 
Rizpah. My lord forgive thine handmaid ! I did err. 

(Saul noting the sincere fear spreading over her 
countenance relaxes slightly his fearful stern- 
ness of look and tone and says in milder 
voice) : 
Saul. Thou knowest that's a subject ne'er's t' be broached. 

(The Queen bows once more in humility, but his 



12 SAUL, 

new tones have eased the spasm of fear which 
had at his first outburst paralyzed her feel- 
ings. Saul once more .op ens his arms and once 
more she springs into their powerful and pas- 
sionate embrace. After a long kiss the King 
raises his head and- begins once more to stroke 
her raven tresses. Suddenly he ceases to 
caress her and starting backward a pace says 
involuntarily — hissing the words from be- 
tween clinched teeth — ras his eyes blaze with a 
deadly wrath and his right hand opens and 
shuts as though tightening its hold upon an in- 
visible spear) — 
'Tis come again! The Spirit seizeth me! 
And shooting a cold chill adown my spine 
Invades my heart and grasps each ventricle 
Prohibiting the egress of the blood ! 

(As he speaks he gasps for breath. The Queen 
starts back aghast and gazes upon his tor- 
tured visage with an expression in which the 
emotions of terror, hatred, passionate tender- 
ness and dread, chase each other across her 
beautiful and delicately refined and chiselled 
features. Her bosom rises and falls in stormy 
waves of emotion as she does so. She finally 
clasps her hands upon her bosom and murmurs 
almost inarticulately) — 
Kizpah. O ! Ashtarothf Queen of the Heav'nly spheres 
Queen of the moon and all her countless stars 
Spouse of the mighty Baal list to me ! 
Prove now thy power o'er the dark God Jah — 
Prove that thou ruls't the world and doth rule 

Him.. 
Save now my hero in his hour of woe! 

(Saul rouses himself from the semi-stupor of 
horror and dread into which he has fallen 
upon the arrival of the Spirit from the Lord 
and listening avidly to her words gazes upon 



tThe plural and more euphonious form is here used in place of 
Ashtoreth — the singular. 



SAUL 13 

her in amazement in which fear and admira- 
tion commingle. The Queen pauses upon con- 
cluding her prayer as though to observe its ef- 
fect upon the King. During this pause Saul 
regards her face with tender solicitude. Sud- 
denly he bursts forth in an exultant shout as 
he dashes toward her and clutches her to his 
breast with spasmodic and hungry force) — 
Saul. By my victorious crown thy pray'r's been heard ! 

The Spirit doth take flight and leaves me free! 
{The Queen struggles away from her husband's 
passionate embrace, and falling upon her knees 
and raising her hands aloft says in broken ac- 
cents, in which joy at the result of her prayer 
and awe of a Power which could so conquer the 
express emissary of the Lord of Hosts strug- 
gle for the mastery) : 
Eizpah. Hail Queen of Heaven ! Hear my thankful cry ! 
Thy power hath saved the King in direst need. 
Henceforth I worship thee — Thee sole for aye! 
The creed of Baal henceforth is my creed. 
Watch o'er my mighty Lord and 'fend his soul 
From ought the Lord of Hosts may aim to do 
Prosper his footsteps t'wards ambition's goal 
And cast thy divine shield over us two. 
Prosper our house and strengthen Saul's grand 

reign 
Guard e'er our children from destruction's blight — 
Render Jehovah Jah's stern acts but vain — 
And hover over same when in the fight. 
Ashtaroth! Queen of Heaven! Hear my prayer 
And save thy daughter's heart from this dread 



care 



(Saul who during this passionate prayer has 
stood as tho' > riveted to the floor by admira- 
tion and dread — admiration for her self-neg- 
lectful audacity and devotion in his behalf to 
thus brave the crimes of blasphemy and idola- 
try for his sake and in the desperate hope that 
Ashtaroth might prevail in the proposed con- 
test with Jehovah — dread at the possible con- 



14 SAUL 

sequences to her and thereafter to himself. As 
she concludes the prayer he assists her to her 
feet and embraces he,r. with a tenderness and 
reverence in which no hint of his former pas- 
sion is to be found. She returns his caresses 
in the same calm awed spirit. Finally he says 
in loio hushed tones — as different from his 
usual resonant clarion-like tones as the tvhis- 
per of a breeze at sunset differs from the shriek 
of a storm at midnight) — 
Saul. My soul's delight! I fear thy dreadful words 

Will bring destruction from Jehovah Jah. 
He is a Jealous God — He hath said so. 
Rizpah. What could be worse, my lord, than what He's 
sent — 
This Hell-malevolent — this fiendish Thing 
That shakes thy buttressed soul unto its base ! 
I've waited patiently in hopes 'twould cease 
Before I gave allegiance to strange Gods. 
But what moulds' t thou, my lord, we've but one life 
To spend within the mazes of this world 
And so I've shot nry bolt and th'issue bide 
Or good or ill my words do I stand by. 
Saul. My Queen and comrade in ambition's race. 

Thy beauty and thy courage are as one — 

{Knocking heard. Saul starts angrily and ex- 
claims in stern tones as he steps back a pace 
from the Queen — who hastily arranges her at- 
tire, and pushes back her lovely and, lustrous 
hair from her face). 
Who dares disturb the quiet of the King! 
Doeg. (From without. In tones in which fear has soft- 

ened the usual brutal gruff ness and surliness) — 
An't please the King the Prophet Samuel 
Doth stand within the room in which I stand 
Saying he comes upon an errand which 
Brooks not delay — so near't regards the King. 
(As Doeg delivers his message Rizpah shrinks 
back aghast and turns pale. Saul also starts 
in concern and glances hastily at the Queen. 
He has scarcely done so when the deep stern 



SAUL 15 

tones of the Prophet Samuel — tones in which 
the judicial severity of his former office of 
Judge of Israel are blended with the dreamy 
accents of the mystic — penetrate the room). 
Samuel. Saul, son of Kish. I'd speak a word with thee. 
Rizpah. {Starting in cold scorn in which surprise is swal- 
lowed up in hatred) — 
Dares he address the King of Israel thus! 

(Saul who has also started angrily at the tin- 
wonted language to Majesty — instantly recov- 
ers himself and says in a low tone to the 
Queen) : 
Saul. Pardon his bluntness. He forgets himself, 

His age and station merit our respect 
I'll ne'er forget 'twas he anointed me. 

( The Queen appears somewhat appeased # at 
Saul's words and resumes her haughty calm — 
the calm habitual with her unless roused by 
passion of whatever nature. So soon as Saul 
sees that the Queen has recovered herself he 
says in calm tones in which his Kingly dig- 
nity unites with a note of veneration and 
friendliness ) — 
Be welcome Samuel, and enter straight. 

(The door of the apartment is thereupon thrown 
open by Doeg and Samuel slowly and with ma- 
jestic dignity enters the room. Samuel is a 
tall man with beard and hair snow-white. But 
possessing the vigour which all the Prophets 
possessed. His dress is a cross between a ju- 
dicial robe and the rougher mantle of the 
Prophet. lie halts as he reaches the centre of 
the room and scrutinizingly surveys the face — 
first of the King then that of the Queen. 
Saul does not flinch under his penetrating 
glance. Neither does the Queen, tho^ each 
receives the look differently. Saul receives 
the glance with steady calm,, tempered with re- 
spect. Eizpah with haughty calm blended 
with animosity. Samuel notes the said vari- 
ous expressions and continues silent as though 



16 SAUL 

waiting to be addressed. Saul rouses himself 
with an effort and, inclining his head slightly 
says in gracious tones) : 
'Tis long since I have gazed upon thy face 
It glads my heart to see that thou art well. 

(Samuel stands motionless as these words leave 
Saul's lips, and remains motionless and silent 
for several moments. Finally he says in low 
cold tones in which there is no least trace of 
reverence or respect for Saul's high office, nor 
the least evidence of affection — or even friend- 
liness) : 
Samuel. I come in time to save thee from a crime. 

(Saul in spite of his mighty power of self-con- 
trol starts violently at this evidence of the 
Prophetic power of the Prophet of the Lord. 
Bizpah turns pale and involuntarily glances 
upwards as though in prayer to Ashtaroth. 
Samuel notices both acts and drawing himself 
up to his full height says in tones of thunder 
as he fixes his large eyes — which in spite of 
his years — blaze with the fire of manhood — 
upon the calm but unequivocally hostile coun- 
tenance of the Queen) : 
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me!" 
(As these terrible words leave the lips of the 
Prophet the Queen shrinks and cowers before 
him — though bravely maintaining a show of 
self-respect and even defiance. It is as though 
a swimmer — struggling valiantly feels himself 
carried away by the undertow. Saul starts 
once more and once more glances in deepest 
and tenderest sympathy towards the Queen. 
Samuel notes the effect of Us toords and after 
a pause, during tohich the Queen has made 
shift to recover her haughty calm — or at least 
brave remnants of it — says in lower but no less 
stem tones looking fiercely at the Queen as he 
speaks) : 



SAUL 



17 



So thou dost love the harlot Ashtaroth 
The idol of the foul Sidonians ! 

(The Queen starts fiercely at this and says in 
fierce swift tones hissing out her words between 
her clinched teeth) : 
Eizpah. Old man beware ! Thou speakest to a Queen. 

(Saul shrinks slightly at her boldness but a look 
•of admiration for it mingles with the concern 
spreading rapidly over his stern features. 
Samuel starts in anger and once more raising 
his voice thunders) : 
Samuel. Beware the anger of Jehovah Jah! 

(The Queen shrinks palpably at these words but 
preserves her dauntless mien. Saul who has 
once more shrunk at the mention of the Lord, 
again regards the Queen loith a look of 
mingled admiration and concern. The Queen 
contents herself with fixing on Samuel a look 
of silent contempt. Samuel once more raises 
his voice and thunders forth) : 
Thy seed shall feed the ravens for this thing ! 
(Both Saul and the Queen shrink backwards and 
retreat a pace in horror and dismay at these 
sinister words. Samuel continues in the same 
thunderous tones) : 
Armoni and Mephibosheth shall die — 

(The Queen shrieks out at this, and throioing 

her hands and outstretched arms in Samuel's 

direction falls on her knees before him and 

gasps out as tears stream down her cheeks) — 

Eizpah. Unsay those words my lord and I shall yield 

And bow my will unto Jehovah Jah. 

(Saul although less affected by Samuel's awful 
words also falls upon his knees and raises his 
hands in supplication towards Samuel as he 
gasps out in broken accents) : 
Saul. Spare these my sons my lord spare for my sake — 

The sake of him whom thou hast crowned King ! 
(Samuel notes the effect of his words and con- 
tinues in lower tones but no whit more friend- 
ly and no whit less stern) : 



18 SAUL 

Samuel. Bebellious pair I speak the words of God 
It is not what / will but what He will. 
It is not I that speak but 'tis the Lord 
Who thro' His Spirit thus inspireth me. 
I could not or I would not change thy doom. 
The day is past for change in each of you. 
The day hath been when I would weep full sore 
To say the words which but now left my lips. 
That day is gone and dead as the ' Dead Sea. 
I know the souls of each of ye toth' core 
Each is Ambition's slave and serves nought else. 
Each lusts for power and for nought beside 
Save in thy passion each doth lust for each. 
But 'tis not to speak thus have I now come 
I bear a Message from Jehovah Jah — 

(At this both the Queen and Saul start in alarm. 
Samuel observes this and says in his usual 
tones of veiled disapproval) : 
The Lord is merciful — long-suffering. 
His Throne is mystery His Heart is love. 
He sent His Spirit to thee (turning to Saul who 
shrinks in spite of his heroic fortitude at the 
mention of this dread and mysterious visita- 
tion which has blasted his souVs repose) for 
thy* crime 
Thy flat rebellion at His expressed word 
That thou should'st slay and spare not Amalek. 
The Lord did honour thee and chose thee out 
To be the Sword of Vengeance in His name 
To drench the crime of Amalek in blood 
When Amalek did plot and lie in wait 
To slay and spoil the seed of Abraham 
When Israel was weak and he was strong. 
Jehovah then did sware a mighty oath 
The name of Amalek He'd blot from earth 
When in good time his dread hour doomed should 

come. 
That hour did dawn with thee the chosen man. 
And how dids't thou repay this honour done 
Unto thy name and fame by our dread God ! 
You feared your people but you feared not God. 



SAUL 



19 



Rizpah. 



Samuel. 



You chose the people and you spurned the Lord 
Hoping t'increase thy popularity 
With sinful man in lieu of serve thy God. 
Because of this the Lord withdrew from thee 
And sent in's place a Spirit terrible 
That should supply the fear that thou dost lack 
Toward thy God but givest unto man. 
But as I've said the Lord is merciful 
And tho' thy doom is sealed He yet would have 
Thy life on earth as free from woe's may be. 
Hence am I come to show thee the one way 
Thou may'st combat the spirit haunteth thee — 
(Both Saul and the Queen start in joyful amaze- 
ment at these unexpected -words. Samuel 
notes their effect and continues in a milder 
tone) : 
Music alone may soothe thy haunted breast 
And banish from thee thy dread Visitant. 
And I have now at hand a comely youth 
Who plays the harp with cunning unsurpassed. 
Him do I bring as gift fro' th' Most High God 
To soothe thy pilgrimage along the world. 

(The Queen's stern face relaxes somewhat at 
these words and she murmurs almost inaudibly 
— as Saul silently bows his proud but sincere 
acknowledgments to Samuel) : 
I thank thee Prophet for thy gracious gift i 

My lord doth need such aid in his sore strait. 
(Samuel makes an almost imperceptible motion 
of the head towards the Queen in acknow- 
ledgment of her words of gratitude and con- 
tinues) : 
Whene'er the Spirit entereth thy frame 
And thou dost feel the chill of death thereby 
Or what is next thereto a woe so deep 
A melancholy, so profound and vast 
It seems the ocean e'en to swallow up— 
Or, lastly, when It comes in murderous guise 
And the blood-lust on thee doth settle down 
As a red garment saturate with blood — 



20 SAUL 

Then summon to thee swift as call may bring 
This harper-youth whom I now bring with me 
He stands without the Palace as I speak. 
Saul. Who is the youth my friend and counsellor? 

Samuel. Call me not that for I am neither — now. 
That time is gone — gone never to return 
This is the last time thou shalt see my face 
Within the confines of the living world. 

(Saul starts slightly at this and a shadow of re- 
gret spreads over his striking and tragic coun- 
tenance, a countenance in tohich manly, and in- 
tellectual beauty are shaded by cruelty and 
ambition. The King sighs deeply and waits 
for the Prophet to conclude. During this 
time the Queen's beautiful and highly intellec- 
tual face has been suffused with a glow of lov- 
ing tender interest and hope that the misery 
and horror of the King are at last to find sur- 
cease. Samuel continues in tones lower and 
more nearly approaching sadness and regret at 
friendship past than any he has yet used) : 
David, the son of Jesse, is the youth 
i Whom the Almighty sends as comforter. 

(At these words Saul and the Queen hastily ex- 
change a fleeting glance of mute inquiry as to 
whether either had heard the name before. The 
expressions of their countenances show that 
the name is totally unknown. Samuel has noted 
the interchange of glances and interpreting the 
same correctly says in the same tones as he 
last used) : 
The youth is totally unknown to fame. 
He is a shepherd. Tends his Father's sheep 
Upon the plains that border Bethlehem. 
Bold is the youth and strongly apt for war. 
A lion and a bear he straight did slay 
"When they did trespass to destroy his flock — 
In fine he is a youth after God's heart 
Frank as the sunshine and as warm in heart. 



SAUL 



21 



Saul. (With a relieved air. The martial attributes of 

David appealing to his warlike soul, which 
had at first feared that a harper might be lack- 
ing in manliness — a trait which of all others — 
except disloyalty — is most repellant to the 
King) — 
The youth hath promise from thy glowing words 
I look with pleasure t'wards his presence here. 
Samuel. One thing I ask. It is that I him see 
Alone within this room before ye meet. 
He knoweth not his errand to the King 
And I would fain exchange a word with him 
Him to prepare for his unwonted lot. 

(The Queen conceals a scornful smile at thus 
being invited to leave the apartment and 
glances at the King. He however understands 
the uncompromising character of Samuel and 
the ruthlessness with which he pursues an ob- 
ject once set before his gaze. The King there- 
fore at once says pleasantly) : 
Saul. The Queen and I will willingly assist 

In any way the Prophet of the Lord. 

(Both thereupon walk slowly out of the apart- 
ment. As they are about to leave Samuel says 
in even milder tones than any he has yet used) : 
Samuel. A few words will suffice. I wait him here. 
Doeg can find him at the Palace gate. 
Our brief words done, Doeg shall thee inform. 
(As the King and Queen leave the room Samuel 
slowly unbends from the rigid and rigorous 
attitude physical as well as mental he has sus- 
tained so long and seats himself upon the 
couch of Saul glancing at the spear at the 
couches head as he does so. He then says aloud 
in a meditative manner) : 
The spear is there. Soon David will be too. 
Glad am I that the Lord hath told to me 
That nothing against David may Saul do 
Nothing, that is, that I'd object to be. 
Saul is the crucible of David's soul 



22 



SAUL 



The smelting pot to temper that pure steel 

Saul is the spur drives David t'wards the goal 

He needs must reach for his and Israel's weal. 

Danger and death hang o'er old Jesse's son 

Saul's jealousy ere long will fierce awake 

Then the fierce course which David then must run 

Of David, King and Hero swift will make. 

He is the man in whom is Israel's hope 

Vast are the problems with which he will cope. 

{Knocking heard). 
Who knocks? 
Doeg. 'Tis I most mighty Prophet, blunt Doeg. 

Samuel. Enter and state thine errand presently. 
Doeg. {Entering followed by David) 

Here is the youth thou didst desire should come 
Into thy presence, Prophet of the Lord. 
Samuel. Doeg a word with thee before you go. 

Beware lest Divine Vengeance on thee fall — 
(Doeg starts ponderously and turning pale blurts 
out) : 
Doeg. Most mighty Prophet nothing would I do 

To call forth vengeance from the Lord of Hosts. 
Samuel. {In cold hard tones far colder and more peremp- 
tory than any he had used in conversation 
with Saul) — 
And yet thou wttt thou cow-herd insolent 
And yet thou tvilt and shalt the Vengeance taste! 
(Doeg shrinks and cowers before Samuel's stern 
and vindictive glance. Samuel goes on) : 
And yet thou wilt, thou- ruffian murderer! 

(Doeg again starts ponderously and turns pale.) 
Thou butcher ready for the coming deed! 
Doeg. {With a show of resentment — struggling toith his 

dread of Samuel) — 
Ne'er killed I man save in the battle's brunt 
No murderer am I, thou Man of God. 
Samuel. Not yet — but time will bring the deed to thee. 
Now leave us — as I speak with this young man. 
(Doeg makes a profound bow and exit. David, 
who has been an attentive listener to the con- 



SAUL 23 

versation between Samuel and Doeg now 
comes forward from the station he had taken 
up near the door of the apartment upon enter- 
ing same. David is clad in the garb of a shep- 
herd,' a short light gray woolen tunic reaching 
scarcely to the knee, girded about his waist by 
a rough leather belt. He wears sandals also of 
rough untanned leather wound around his 
calves half way to the knee resembling the 
Cothurnus or Minting boot of the Greeks. He 
is about eighteen years of age and of a ruddy 
countenance. His extreme beauty of feature 
is prevented from becoming effeminate by the 
extreme sternness of his large gray eyes, square 
jaw, firm beautifully chiselled lips and bold 
nose. Samuel regards him attentively as he ap- 
proaches. When David has come to within 
some two years Samuel he bows low, halts, 
and assumes an attitude of easy grace, in which 
the muscular development of his fine figure 
stands forth. Samuel after regarding him at- 
tentively for some moments says in milder 
tones than he has as yet used) : 

My son, the time for action hath arrived ! 

(David starts violently and turns pale. The del- 
icate colour leaving his beardless cheeks at 
Samuel's words. Samuel notes their effect and 
says in even milder tones) : 

Be not afraid. The Lord hath summoned thee. 
(David immediately starts again even more vio- 
lently than before and turns even paler. Sam- 
uel again notes the above effect and continues 
in even milder tones) : 

And will watch o'er thee as thou do'st His work. 

Remember that Jehovah hath named thee 

To be the Ruler of all Israel. 

(David again starts violently and his cheek 
blanches). 
David. My Father when you poured the oil o'er me — 

When thou anointedst me a few davs since — 



24 



SAUL 



Samuel. 



David. 



Samuel. 



You nothing said o'th' purpose of the act 
Ne'er did I think that I would be a King 
From that same act, so simple in itself — 
I ! a mere shepherd — youngest of my kin 
The youngest of my seven brothers tall. 
And how can I be King while Saul still reigns? 
My son the time hath come to lift the veil 
Which shrouds from mortal eye thy mighty life. 
'Twas not th'occasion — nor was it the time 
When I anointedst thee to say a word 
Upon mine errand nor thy mission then. 
But now the time is ripe t'uncover both. 
Know that the Lord hath turned away from Saul 
And rent the Kingdom from him and his sons. 
(David starts again but less violently being 
somewhat prepared for some such explanation 
of Samuel's mysterious words regarding his 
own ascension of the Throne). 
Saul disobeyed the Lord with Amalek 
And spared Agag and his mighty herds. 
For this the Lord hath turned away from Saul 
And bid me tell thee thou succeedest him. 
But how, my Father, may this strange thing be 
With Saul upon the Throne and in full health? 
Aim not to lift the dreadful — awful Veil 
Jehovah hangs before Futurity. 
Man's placed on earth to cultivate his soul 
Tossed on the seas of Doubt, and Faith and Fear. 
How could this be if man did know the things 
Which lurk behind the Future's awful Shroud? 
But bear before thy soul as banner borne 
Streaming and flaming in the battle's breeze 
The knowledge that thy God hath summoned thee 
To be His standard-bearer in His wars. 
To be His captain o'er the serried hosts 
That warlike Israel puts in the field. 
My time is short — for Saul doth wait without 
He and his Queen, impatient of delay. 
Me shalt thou see no more after to-day 
But in a dream shall I appear to thee 



SAUL 25 

And on thy shoulders place the ephod dread 

By means of which thou may'st communicate with 

God. 
Until that come nothing remains to do 
But sojourn here and play thine harp for Saul. 
The Lord hath sent a Spirit unto Saul 
Which preys upon him both by night and day. 
But wishing to assuage this awful doom 
Jehovah bid me bring thee straight to him 
And when you touch the harp the Spirit flies — 
Only, beware of Saul. He is Ambition's slave 
Should any time suspicion visit him — 
From any cause — no matter how remote — 
He'd hurl his jav'lin at thee in a trice. 
E'en jealousy of thee would cause the deed 
Did he suspect that thoud'st inherit him 
I' th' fame which now the people hold him in. 
So now farewell. Be circumspect. Be brave. 
And know the Lord e'er watcheth, over thee. 
David. Bless me, my Father, ere thou dost depart. 
Samuel. Thou Hope of Israel — most willingly. 

(David thereupon reverently kneels before Sam- 
uel tvho, placing his hand upon David's bowed 
head and raising his eyes aloft, says in low 
heartfelt tones) : 
Thou "Man of War" who didst this stripling choose 
To lead Thine host to many a stricken field 
Watch o'er thy choice when he doth wage thy wars. 
Strengthen his arm as Thous't already done 
When he did fight the lion and the bear. 
Armour his spirit in a dauntless faith 
That turns to chaff the darts that Doubt doth hurl. 
Instruct his judgment in his ways with Saul 
And guard him from that man most sinister. 
(Samuel having ceased to pray, David rises pale 
but determined of aspect). 
Bid Doeg tell the King his room is free. 

(David bows low to Samuel and walking rapidly 
across the chamber conveys Samuel's message 
to Doeg and returns im?nediately. Hardly has 
the door closed upon David's entry into the 



26 



SAUL 



Saul. 



Samuel. 



Saul. 



Samuel. 

Saul. 
Samuel. 



room, when it opens again and Saul followed 
by the Queen enters %oith stately dignity). 

Samuel, thou seest we have come with speed. 

I aim to show my reverence for thee. 

Keep reverence for the Lord and not for men 

'Tis lack of that which brought thee to this pass. 

Here is the son of Jesse for thine aid 

To drive away the Spirit when it comes. 

One word before I go, thou son of Kish. 

I wish thee well though friend thou art no more. 

This youth is thy sole refuge in thy strait. 

When he doth play the Demon leaveth thee. 

No other harper can have that effect 

Upon the Spirit dread that haunteth thee. 

If anything should hap 'twixt thee and him 

So that he'd not be present at thy need 

Nothing can stand between the Fiend and thee — 

Nor art nor subtlety may e'er avail — 

No other man from Dan to Beersheba 

To drive the Spirit off as David can. 

I thank thee Samuel for thy kind thought 

In warning me of David's usefulness. 

(Turning to David, who has stood at a distance 
respectfully removed from, the King and Queen) . 

Young man I welcome thee to this our house 

And say thy features pleasure me withal. 

(David bows deeply. The Queen regards David 
with an air in which keen curiosity is tem- 
pered with a feeling of dread at his mysterious 
power over the spirit which utterly blasts her 
husband's peace of mind). 

And now the time hath come that I should go. 

Remember Saul the words I've told to thee. 

I'll guard them, Prophet, in mine heart's own core. 

'Tis well. David farewell — nor follow me from 
here. 
(Samuel then toithout further glance at either 
the King, the Queen or David stalks from the 
chamber displaying the vigour of a man of far 
younger years. So soon as the door has closed 



SAUL 27 

behind Samuel, Saul turns to David and says 
in pleasing tones) : 
Saul. Thy chamber's been prepared; it toucheth mine. 

When thou dost hear a knock against the wall 
Come hither instantly and bring thine harp. 
In daytime thou must follow in my train 
And ever bring thine harp — where'er we go. 
David. (Bowing low) I shall my lord the King and will- 
ingly, 
Would I do aught that may relieve the King. 
Rizpah. Young man one word of Warning I'd thee give. 

(David bows low to the Queen and listens re- 
spectfully). 
The King doth toss in's sleep at times and turn 
His mighty shoulders sudden 'gainst the wall. 
Mistaking this for knock thou might'st run in 
And rouse the King from out the deepest sleep. 
On seeing thee beside him — scarce awake — 
He might mistake thee for an enemy 
And hurl his jav'lin at thee fatally. 
Therefore beware how thou dost come on him — 
E'er tarry at the door till he awake. 
David. (Bowing low). I thank the Queen for her most 
gracious words 
And e'er shall bear them in my heart of hearts. 
Saul. 'Tis well young man. I see thee apt to learn. 

Doeg will show thee where thy chamber is. 
Farewell. 
Rizpah. Farewell young man and bear my words in mind. 
(David bows low first to the King, and then to 
the Queen and backs out of the chamber. So 
soon as the door closes behind him, Saul sighs 
with relief, and turning towards the Queen 
says, while a rare smile lights up his hand- 
some but sombre countenance) : 
Saul. Methinks, my flower, that I now do hold, 

A charm will conjure this foul Fiend to Hell. 
Rizpah. My Lord I pray from out mine inmost soul. 

That what thou say'st come true and — presently. 



End of Act I. 



28 SAUL 



ACT II. 

The Throne-Room in the Palace. 

Time: Early Afternoon. 

(Six months have elapsed since Act I. During which 
time David has slain Goliath, married the Princess Michal 
and risen to the highest post in the Kingdom — the commander, 
with Abner — of the armies of the King. Saul is seated 
upon the Throne, a chair of Oriental workmanship and of 
solid gold, revised upon a dais of Mack marble of three steps; 
each step of the dais being three feet deep and six inches 
high at the rear of the stage. A canopy of deep 
red is over the Throne. Saul is dressed in full 
armour, cuirass and greaves of brass which are so polished 
as to shine like gold. Tie has the same Cothurnus- 
like sandals on as David wore, only of much richer work- 
manship and finer material. The leather being of the kind 
now known as Morocco studded toith gold. There is a short 
robe over his corslet also of deep red. His sword, is at his 
side. A javelin leans against the right side of the Throne. 
In place of helmet he has on a crown of gold, richly studded 
with gems. The crown is of Eastern design. His elbow rests 
on his knee and his head on his right hand. His face is ex- 
pressive of deep contemplation disturbed by the sudden irrup- 
tion of dark and varied passions which chase themselves — one 
after the other — over his sinister but highly intellectual coun- 
tenance. The fingers of his right hand toy with his short 
curling black beard). 

Saul. My plans do go awry and fall in snarl. 

This upstart son of Jesse is my bane. 
Do what I may his fortune conquers mine- 
Killing Goliath won the people's heart — 
Their hero since that day he's surely been. 
Keturning from the spoil of that great day — 
The day Goliath died and all Philistia 
Did flee before the Hosts of Israel — 
Returning from the slaughter of the foe — 
Whom we did mow down as one mows the grass — 



SAUL 29 

The women sang a song of ecstacy 

Which was an insult dire as e'er I heard ! 

"Saul has slain his thousands" — 'twas thus it ran 

"And David his ten thousands — thousands ten." 

Nought can I do to rid me of that man 

His fortune brings him thro' the direst straits. 

If this goes on the people'll name him King — 

{Starting violently) 
That bit me like an adder in the grass! 

{After a pause, meditatively, and in a low tone 
— his face assuming a terrible aspect, in which 
its natural olive tint is rendered livid by pal- 
lor) : 
Pll rid me of him with my ready spear! 

{Sinking his right hand until it touches the jave- 
lin ever at his side). 
I'd rath risk this Spirit sent from Hell — 
Which since Ms coming hath been subjugate 
Flying at once his fingers touched the harp — 
Than risk my Kingdom thro' his popularity. 
Michal doth love him with a perfect love 
Her life she'd lay down if 'twould ransom his. 
With Jonathan the thing is past belief 
His love surpasseth woman's love in strength ! 
He David loves as David were his soul — 
Its like have I nor seen nor heard 'twixt men 
One'd think that Jonathan were not my Heir — 
Heir to my crown and all its grand domain! 
By Abraham's beard it passeth all belief! 
The Heir- Apparent sleeping on his rights 
As Heir-Apparent, whilst another steals 
The favour of his people day by day. 
Pll save my Throne e^en if I risk my soul 
And have a Fiend from Hell to wrestle with! 
{Enter the Queen and Princess Michal unattend- 
ed. The Queen is gorgeously attired in an 
Oriental robe of dark purple bordered with 
gold. Her crown is on her head. She appears 
far less careworn than in Act I. The Prin- 
cess follows the Queen closely. The Princess 
is a beautiful young woman of the finest Jew- 



30 



SAUL 



ish type, tall, slender and graceful. She is 
richly gowned in an Oriental robe of light red. 
A crown smaller and simpler in design 
and less blazing with 'jewels than the 
Queen's is on her head. Upon nearing 
the Throne both toomen halt and bow- 
ing their heads, cross their hands over their 
bosoms and await the time until it shall please 
the King to address them. Saul starts slight- 
ly upon seeing them and makes a sudden ges- 
ture with his right hand across his face as 
tho 7 — so to speak — he were brushing away cob- 
webs that had floated across his vision. The 
gesture has sufficed to remove the slightest 
trace of the dark thoughts which had so lately 
possessed his stormy mind. In calm, pleasing 
tones he says, as his eyes rest on the Queen 
and Princess) : 
Thy coming — unexpected — brings me joy 
Affairs o' th' Kingdom occupied my mind. 
Kizpah. My lord Michal and I unbidden ventured in 
Because we knew, my lord, thou wert alone. 
Saul. (Scotoling — swiftly recovering his former calm 

says in even tones) : 
What influence could that have on thy mind? 
Rizpah. {Swiftly noticing the scowl and itfs disappear- 

ance). 
Thou know'st, my lord, the influence David hath 
To soothe thy (Noting the terrible glance Saul 
throws at her in anticipation of a direct allu- 
sion to the Spirit which haunts him — and after 
an almost imperceptible hesitation — adds with 
calm tempered by deep reverence) moods what- 
ever they may be. 
Saul. (Relieved at the Queen's avoidance of the dread- 

ed name of the Evil Spirit aforesaid, heaves a 
deep sigh of relief and in milder tones says) : 
I grow less subject to these moody turns 
Methinks with time they'll vanish in thin air. 
(Both women beam with joy at this utterly un- 



SAUL 



31 



Michal. 



Saul. 



Rizpah. 



Saul. 



looked for — utterly unexpected — news, and 
the Princess says in lo%o sweet tones) : 
My lord the King, thy words do joy mine heart 
Which ever suffers when thy Highness grieves. 
My daughter, thanks for this thy sympathy 
And now a word with thee in privacy. 

(The Princess starts suddenly at the above some- 
iv hat ominous remark coming from so redoubt- 
able a source and involuntarily glances with a 
startled air at the Queen. The latter instant- 
ly lays her beautiful hand upon the Princess' 
arm, and with a reassuring pressure says in an 
aside — her lips scarcely moving as~ she utters 
the hushed icords — while she keeps her face 
turned towards Saul and while her calm eyes 
study the laMer's inscrutable countenance') : 
Courage ! Humour his mood whate'er it be. (Aloud) 
My lord I leave thee for the moment then 
That thou may'st speak to Michal in her ear. (Exit) 
(So soon as the Queen, with the graceful undu- 
lating movement peculiar to her, has left the 
Throne-Room, Saul beckons the Princess to 
him with an abrupt movement of the right 
hand. The Princess, summoning her will- 
power, resolutely but respectfully advances to- 
wards the King in swift graceful movements — 
recalling those of the Queen. When within 
three feet of the Throne the Princess halts and 
crossing her hands over her breast botes her 
head awaiting the 'word of the King. Saul re- 
gards her in silence for some moments; a look 
of affection and even pity conflicting at times 
with the stern set expression of his features — 
the expression of a man about to do or say a 
thing he dislikes to do or say) — 
Daughter, prepare thy soul for sudden change. 
(The Princess starts violently, pales and shrinks 
before the King. Saul observes the action and 
his face assuming a sterner air, he says in tones 
low but sterner than he has yet employed) : 



32 



SAUL 



I purpose to divorce thee from this man 
This upstart son of Jesse, now thy spouse. 

(The Princess stifles a cry and cowers before the 
King supplicating Mm with tears springing to 
her eyes, sobs in her voice and hands and arms 
raised in a gesture of heart-broken appeal) : 
Michal. King of all Israel, spare thy daughter's heart! 
By the great love that thou dost bear the Queen 
Take pity on me in my hopeless plight — 
I love my husband with my heart and soul 
He is my life the apple of mine eye — 
O! Spare my love! Spare David, mighty King! 
Saul. My daughter, it doth grieve me deep to see 

The love thou bearest t' wards mine enemy — 
Michal. Forgive me, Father, speaking without leave 
But as thy soul lives he's no enemy 
But bound unto thy service to the death/ 
No trustier servant stands in all thine Host. 
Saul. • 'Tis not my purpose to dispute with thee 

The merits of a man whom I have doomed — 
Doomed to the death a traitor e^er deserves. 
Let it suffice to say he eyes the Throne 
As goal for his ambitious restless soul. 
Beware how thou dost act from this time on 
Beware 'lest aught I've said escape thy lips. 
That being settled, P'haltiel's the man 
Whom I intend to wed thee with at once — 

(The Princess whose face has been a prey to 
fierce and varied emotions during this speech 
now rouses herself, and drawing herself up to 
her full height says in low cold tones) : 
Michal. I nought, of course, may do against the King 
But Phalti, son of Laish, the Gallimite 
Is all unworthy to tie David's shoe — 
Saul. (Starting angrily.) So thou dost dare to criticize 

the man 
Whom I do deign to make my son-in-law ! 
Michal. (Smiling haughtily.) The fall from David's wife 
to Phaltiel's 
Must plead for me in mine abhorrence o't. 



S A U L 33 

Saul. Enough ! No word of this to anyone 

Follow the Queen and straight send David here. 
(Upon hearing these words she starts once more 
in terror. Swiftly recovers herself — steeling 
her heart to the hopelessness of attempting to 
move the rocky soul of Saul — and making a 
low obeisance moves slowly and gracefully out 
of the Throne-room in the direction taken by 
the Queen. So soon as she is gone Saul sighs 
with relief and says with the ghost of a smile) : 
Women's affections in affairs of State 
Are to be brushed like gossamers away. 
My Throne's my highest aim in this my life 
This and a future life I'd risk for it. 
Fame is the breath that in my nostrils blows. 

(Saul has scarcely finished this brief soliloquy 
when the door which the Queen and Prin- 
cess passed through opens and David appears. 
He is in full armour. His shield on his left 
arm and his sword at his side. His helmet and 
armour are of brilliantly polished brass, so pol- 
ished as to shine like gold. He comes for- 
ward with a firm martial stride and upon at- 
taining a distance of some six feet from the 
Throne halts and bows low to the King. Saul 
regards him with an eye of death. With an 
eye in which jealousy, hatred, malevolence and 
dread appear and disappear swiftly by turns. 
David withstands the look unflinchingly. His 
face is calm but stem. After some moments 
of this the King says in loud harsh tones) : 
Thou son of Jesse I have done with thee. 

(David starts slightly at this outburst. But the 
expression of Saul has been so deadly, so hos- 
tile, so malevolent that it has prepared David 
for an outburst of some such nature — knowing 
as he does the violent nature of Saul when in a 
mood indicated by his aforesaid sinister ex- 
pression. Saul notes the calm poise and de- 
termination of David with increased ill-hu- 



34 



SAUL 



mour. He raises his voice still higher and in 
still harsher tones thunders out) : 
Thou stripling upstart I, hare done with thee. 
(David's face remains motionless as regards any 
change of expression. Saul becomes still more 
irritated at this composure and perfect self- 
poise and finally roars out) : 
Thou traitor to my house thy doom is near! 
(David starts violently at these words and draw- 
ing himself up to his full, graceful height, 
while a look of unutterable scorn sweeps over 
his beautiful but dauntless features says in 
tones bitter with disdain and resonant with 
self-confidence) : 
David. My lord the King, I do deny the charge 
Of treachery and point to my career 
Of service to thy Royal House i'th' field. 
Saul. Ha ! Darest thou the point to argue on ! 

Barest dispute the words of Saul the King! 
David. If the King please, to argue I've no will 
Nor to dispute the words of mighty Saul. 
If the King please, I do but mere point out 
Th'injustice in the Royal words t'wards me. 
Saul. You charge me with injustice to my face! 

David. If the King please, far be that from my wish. 
I merely aim to claim a humble word 
To show the King that I no traitor am. 
Saul. Thy crafty ways provoke me e'en the more ! 

11 1 ft please the King!" — it doth not please the 

King 
For thee to argue and then claim not to. 
This habit vile of craft and subterfuge 
Did I discover long ago in thee — 
No Philistine can equal thee in craft 
Thy guile th'Amalekite swift puts to rout! 
No son of Amalek can match thee there. 
Thou art unique — a King in subtilty ! 

(David seeing that Saul's violence has at last 
abated, noiv aims to push the advantage he has 
thus gained, over the danger of a violent mur- 
derous outbreak upon the part of the King). 



SAUL 



35 



David. The King cloth know he hath no servitor 

More true to the King's interests than myself. 
(Saul makes an impatient gesture with his right 
hand as tho- to brush away further argument 
upon the part of David and says in somewhat 
less violent tones) : 
Saul. Enough of this! I bandy words with thee. 

Send to me Abner and await without. 

(David bows loiv and exit.) 
This upstart argues shrewdly — 'pon my life ! 
He holds his own with me say what — / — will. 
(Enter Abner. Abner is a powerful and hand- 
some man in the prime of life. His attractive 
and bold and intelligent features are set off by 
a short curling chestnut beard — which, how- 
ever, does not succeed in hiding completely his 
determined chin and powerful jaio. He is in 
full armour with sword in sheath and shield 
on arm. He rapidly crosses the Throne-Room 
and after bowing low before Saul halts at a 
distance of some ti.vo paces from the Throne 
and stands at attention.) 
Abner — my strong right arm in all my wars — 
I've sent for thee — for I am in a strait. 
The son of Jesse is a riddle hard 
That taxeth all my wit to solve — in sooth. 
Abner. An't please the King the son of Jesse's true 

Heart, body, mind, and soul unto the King — 
Saul. Thou too tak'st up the cudgels for this man! 

Abner. My lord I speak the truth in what I've said — 
Truth and blunt Abner always are the same. 
Saul. I know that thou art truthful as thou'rt blunt 

That I admit, bold Abner, at the start. 
Abner. The truth, my liege, compels that I maintain 

With all humility what I have said. 
Saul. 'Tis not my purpose to mince words with thee. 

David — must— die — on that I am resolved — 
Abner. (Starting bach appalled) — 

My liege, thy words do chill my very soul 
And drive my spirit to the depths of woe. 



36 



SAUL 



Saul. Well, be that as it may, bold Abner, thou 

And I in this do differ — that is all. 

His growing power threatens mine own rule 

His popularity grows day — by — day. 

Now mark mine orders and digest them well. 

This night shalt thou and certain of thy men 

Visit the house of David and — him — slay 

(Abner once more starts back in horror.) 

These are thine orders — see they're carried out. 

And one thing more I'd say whilst on this theme. 

Breathe not a word of what I've told to thee 
• ... 

You risk your head in failing at this task. 

(Abner bows loio but in deep dejection). 
Now send me Jonathan — that doting youth. 

(Abner once more bows low and exit.) 
It is high time I strike — and strike to kill! 
My truest servitors feel David's skill 
At winning all hearts to his mastery ! 

(Enter Jonathan. Jonathan is a young man of 
about David's age. Of extreme beauty and 
manliness combined. He is in full armour. 
Jonathan hastily traverses the space betwixt 
him and the King and when within about six 
feet of the Throne bows low and awaits the 
King's pleasure. Saul regards him with a 
sombre eye in silence for some moments. Fi- 
nally he says in slow, low, cold tones) : 
My son, the time hath come to be full frank. 
The son of Jesse's life must have — an — end — 
(Jonathan springs backwards at a bound and 
clasping his hands before him says in heartfelt 
tones in which dismay and horror struggle 
with respect) : 
Jonathan. My liege — if thou dost love me — spare my friend! 
The man whom, next to thee, I love the most 
Of all the serried ranks of Israel. 
Saul. You waste your breath, my son, you waste your 

breath. 
His doom is sealed beyond all argument — 
Jonathan. Let not the King against his servant sin— 
Against the son of Jesse — David — him! 



SAUL 37 

Because he hath not sinned against thee. 
Because his works to thee- ward were most good 
For he did put his life into his hand 
And slew the Philistine — Goliath fierce ! 
The Lord wrought great salvation on that day — 
He for all Israel great salvation wrought! 
Thou sawest it and didst rejoice thereat. 
Wherefore then wilt thou sin 'gainst innocent 
Blood, thus to slay David — and without a cause? 
(Saul appears moved by Jonathan's eloquent and 
true words. lie is silent for a space and then 
says in milder tones) : 
Saul. My son, thy words are wise. They change mine 

heart. 
Send me the son of Jesse— and forthwith. 

(Jonathan smiles radiantly, bows low and swift- 
ly withdraws from the presence of the King. 
Jonathan instantly returns, followed by David. 
The latter knowing the fierce and sudden 
moods of the King is less surprised than he 
othenoise would have been at finding himself 
thus swiftly and totally unexpectedly restored 
to the Royal favour. Jonathan and he re- 
spectfully approach the Throne, and bowing 
low await the King's pleasure. Saul eyes 
David for some moments in silence and then 
says slowly and in mild tones) : 
Lo ! Jonathan hath set thee right with me 
The words I uttered do I now unsay. 

(David glances gratefidly but hastily at Jona- 
than and bowing once more to the King says 
in low tones) : 
David. The God of Israel be praised for this. 
Saul. (Starts angrily at this mention of Jehovah — 

reminding him, as it does, that the Lord has 
withdraivn Himself from him, and says m 
harsh tones) : 
The Lord's displeased with me and / with thee 
For bringing up that Name before me here. 
Thou know'st Jehovah hath withdrawn His face 
And left me desolate by that same act! 



38 



SAUL 



(Jonathan and David remain mute and dejected 
— in deep sympathy for the King at this proud 
confession of despair. Jonathan says m hur- 
ried tones) : 
Jonathan. The Lord will come again unto the King 

Whom He did place upon the Koyal Throne. 
Saul. How know'st thou that — thou stripling malapert 

How know'st thou that — thou issue of my loins? 
Jonathan. Because the Lord is loving as He's true — 

And loveth whom He chast'neth — please the King. 
Saul. Enough of this! I leave thee for a while 

Ye two remain within the Throne-Eoom here. 
(Jonathan and David bow low, as Saul stalks 
moodily out of the apartment, trailing his 
spear listlessly in his right hand as he exits 
at the door to the left of the Throne 
which had closed upon the Queen and 
the Princess Michal. So soon as the King 
has left, Jonathan throws his arms about David 
and the two young men embrace each other 
warmly. Thereafter David says as he releases 
Jonathan) : 
David. What have I done — what mine iniquity? 
And what before thy Father is my sin 
That He so savagely seeketh my life? 
Jonathan. Now God forbid ; behold thou shalt not die ! 
For nothing my Father does — or great or small 
But that he straightway showeth it to me. 
Why, therefore, should he hide this thing from me 
It is not so. Behold thou shalt not die. 
David. Thy Father knoweth I've found grace with thee 
So — knowing in thine eyes I have found grace — 

he saith 
"Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved." 
As truly as the Lord Jehovah lives 
As truly as thy soul doth live — my friend — 
'Twixt me and death there } s but a single step! 
Jonathan. Whatsoever thy soul wisheth that I'll do. 
David. We stand in covenant before the Lord. 
'Twixt thee and me a covenant there is — 
Covenant of the Lord full sanctified — 



SAUL 



39 



But if there be iniquity in me 
I pray thee slay me — thou thyself — at once. 
Jonathan. Far be it from thee that I do such thing! 
Would I not tell thee did I surely know 
That evil was determined by the King? 
David. What if thy Father roughly answer thee 

And hide his purpose from thee — say — what then? 
Jonathan. I'll sound my Father and I'll search his heart 

Which having done I straight shall bring thee 

word. 
The Lord be with thee as He was with Saul. 
And not only while I live shall we be friends 
But should I die thou wilt befriend my house 
Forever and all time this shalt thou do 
Between our houses do I now make covenant — 
'Twixt house of David and 'twixt house of Saul — 
And if you fail may the Lord require it 
E'en at the hand of thy worst enemies. 
Swear to me David — swear e'en once again. 
David. Right willingly I swear to guard thine house 

The house of Saul from all his enemies. 
Jonathan. I love thee David as I love my soul. 
David. That love is full returned my Jonathan ! 

(Enter the Princess Michal in all haste and with 
fear and dism.ay depicted upon her beautiful 
countenance. Jonathan and David start in 
alarmed surprise. She swiftly crosses the 
Throne-Room to where the two young men 
stand, and after glancing hastily and affec- 
tionately towards Jonathan throtos her arms 
around David and buries her face on his 
breast sobbing out) : 
Michal. My lord, my darling ! I fear for thy life ! 

(David starts slightly — being prepared for some 
such tidings from her aspect, and smoothing 
her raven locks with his right hand while his 
left arm encircles her slender waist says sooth- 
ingly) : 
David. My love — my rose of Sharon — look at me 

Hide not thy face in dread — all will be well. 



40 



SAUL 



Michal. 



Jonathan. 
Michal. 



Kemember the grand words of Samuel 

Take heart of grace — and rest thou on mine heart ! 

My lord, my Father's in a dreadful mood — 

Lashing himself to fury with his words. 

The Queen doth do her best to pacify 

His fury's outburst ere it burst its bounds. 

What was the cause — he left in no such mood. 

The cause, my brother, is his jealousy 

His rage at David's popularity 

Which groweth — as thou knowest — bound on bound 

Since he did slay Goliath — bound on bound. 

Saul entered where the Queen and I did sit 

And 'thout one word of preface thus burst forth ! 

"The son of Jesse groweth insolent 

Flaunteth Jehovah e'en before mine eyes — 

Knowing Jehovah hath withdrawn Himself — 

And looks on me with favour never more. 

It is enough to turn mine heart to stone 

When I think what Pve lost and what he^s won — 

For that Jehovah's with him all may see." 

At that he 'gan to pace the room in haste 

Waving his jav'lin as his fury flowed. 

The Queen and I stood by all terrified 

Not daring one sole word to venture on. 

Sudden he stopped and gazing fierce at us 

Said in a tone of thunder — breathing hard — 

"7 say the time hath come that he must die 

My realms not large enough to hold us twoP 

At this the Queen drew near him timidly. 

And laying hand upon his mighty arm 

Said in hushed tones: "My lord may I e'en speak?" 

At first he gazed stern upon the Queen 

Then — on a pause — said — speaking huskily 

"Yes thou may'st speak — what is't thou hast to. 



say 



?" 



Whereon the Queen all timidly and low 
In those sweet tones that soothe his fiercest fits 
Of rage and spleen — that is — since David came 
And mastered with his harp his fellest moods — 
"My lord," the Queen began in accents low 
That lull the ear like to a cooing dove — 



SAUL 



41 



"Let thine handmaiden minister to thee 
But sit ye down and let me stroke thy brow 
Here on this couch" — with that she drew him down 
Upon a neighb'ring couch and took his hand. 
The King breathed hard but let her have her will. 
At which she straight his massive forehead 

smoothed 
Passing her hand above his knitted brows. 
Slowly he ceased to breathe with violence 
Looking on space with wide and fixed stare. 
"Look at me Saul," said she, "look on thy love 
Who loves thee as naught else on earth beside— 
Fix thy fierce glance upon thy loving spouse 
And let the love I bear thee fill thy gaze." 
He slowly turned his fearful countenance — 
That face — in rage — no warrior dare face — 
And on her loving eyes bent look of death. 
She knew the look but shrank not from its thrust. 
But closed her eyes an instant for fresh strength — 
The contest to renew and dominate 
The fury in him by her loving glance. 
Oft had I seen her do the same before 
And each time victory did crown her act. 
Slowly the fury in Saul's glance did ebb 
Slowly his eyes took on their wonted mien 
Of haughty dignitj^ — as stern as cold. 
At which the Queen — knowing that she had won — 
Glanced upward with a sigh of thankfulness 
And drew Saul's massive head upon her breast. 
This done, she motioned me to leave them there. 
So am I come to give thy peril tongue. 
Thou art not safe here, David — any more. 

David. So much have I just said to Jonathan 
I know I stand upon an open grave. 

Jonathan. My friend, I shall be ever near the King 

From this time forth — more so than e'en before 
To watch his moods and give thee warning swift. 

David. I've but one life to live, my Jonathan. 
And I'd deserve to lose it did I stay 
And tempt Saul by my presence to shed blood. 
So I'll away to Achish King of Gath — 



42 



SAUL 



Michal. 



David. 



Saul. 



There is no other place where I may go — 
Perchance he'll give me refuge in his realm — 
Stay but one night, my lord, one night with me 
Stay one night in our house or ere you go 
To be dissevered from me for — so long! 
One night I'll stay my love and willingly — 
This separation tears my very soul! 

(At that moment Saul enters. His face terrible 
as Death itself. His javelin grasped in his 
right hand. Behind him appears the terrified 
countenance of the Queen). 
Young man prepare to die — to meet thy God 
For I no more will linger o'er the deed — 

(David, Jonathan and Michal all start. The two 
latter in terror, the former with a look of 
deadly menace sweeping over his face. Saul 
notes the look and roars out) : 
/ see thy soul at last stare from thine eyes! 
Devoid of subterfuge and trickery! 
I see the hatred of me and mine house 
That ever lurked within thy serpent's heart. 
Thou false pretender to my Kingly Throne 
Dll rid the earth of rival and of thee! 

(At this Saul hurls his javelin at David. The 
latter has been prepared for it, and leaping at 
a bound to one side just as the spear is about 
to leave the hand of the King, escapes its point 
by a hair's breadth and leaps out at the near- 
est door at the right — halftvay to the foot- 
lights — which leads into the Guard-Room 
Saul beside himself with, fury at having missed 
his aim — and ashamed to draw attention to it — 
by calling on the Guard to arrest David, smiles 
convulsively as he regains the spear — its point 
buried in a near-by pillar of cedar wood, sup- 
porting the raftered roof of the Throne-Room 
— and says to the dismayed group about him) : 
The next time that I cast, my aim'll be true. 

(Turning to the Queen) — 
'Twas dulled by thy caresses in thy room. 
Thou sought'st to lull my hatred of this man 



SAUL 



43 



And e'en hud lulled till I remembered me 
How he did flaunt Jehovah 'fore my gaze — 
At that I left thee and made straight for him ! 
Woman beware how thou dost toy with me 
To gain thy purpose and distract mine aim. 
Rizpah. My lord I nothing knew of thine intent. 

Thine handmaid aimed but t' soothe thine anger 

dread. 
Thou know'st thou art my life, my joy, my King 
That without thee life hath no charm for me. 
{Somewhat appeased at these ivords uttered in 
tones in which respect is mingled with passion- 
ate admiration for the King, Saul slowly turns 
his massive head towards the Princess and 
Jonathan. Jonathan has scarcely recovered 
from, the shock of this last scene 'with David. 
As he gradually grasps what has occurred, 
deep-seated reprobation, accompanied by anger 
at the King's act take possession of him. He 
says in cold hard tones resembling those of his 
Father when displeased) : 
Jonathan. My liege, I am surprised at thy late act. 

(No sooner have the words left Jonathan's lips 
than the King scowls upon him fiercely and 
shouts out) : 
Saul. Thou son of perverse rebellion mark my words ! 

Thou'st chosen the son of Jesse— and not me! 
This to thine own confusion and thy dam's. 
So long's the son of Jesse's on the earth 
So long as he doth live upon the ground 
Thou nor thy Kingdom e'er'll established be! 
Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me 
For as my soul doth live heUl surely die. 
Jonathan. (In fierce anger) Wherefore shall he be slain? 

What hath he done? 
Saul. What hath he done! Thou dar'st to question me! 

Take then the doom Pd measured out for him! 
(Hurls his javelin at Jonathan who catches it 
upon his shield and darts from the room). 



End of Act II. 



44 



SAUL 



ACT III. 

Scene I. 

On the edge of a wood. On the highroad to Beer-sheba, 

near the abode of the Witch of Endor. 

Time: Three hours before /Sunset. 

(David, in full armour, is pacing moodily up and down. 
Enter Jonathan. Also in full armour. Each has sword at 
side and spear in hand, shield on arm. One month has 
elapsed since Act II.) 



David. {His face lighting up and running to meet Jon- 

athan. They embrace affectionately. Releas- 
ing him David says) : 
By the Eternal, thy face doth me good ! 
My Jonathan thy sight doth glad my soul — 
A soul right famished for sight of thee. 
For one whole month I've seen but Philistines ! 

Jonathan. My friend thy joy I share — I thee assure 

How faregt thee for this long weary month? 

David. Well — thank Jehovah — well — and safe and sound. 
The risks I've run would nil a little book. 
Achish befriended me and did his best 
To give me harbourage from furious Saul. 
But fame, at times is a most dangerous thing. 
After a while his courtiers 'gan to say 
"Is not this he of whom 'twas recent sung 
He slew his thousands in the battle's brunt?" 
Then th' haughty Princes of the Philistines — 
Those lordly men whose only game is war — 
Began to eye me with an eye of death! 
So madness did I feign to mask my flight. 
Achish did second me and cried in scorn 
"Lo! See the man is mad — he's lost his wits! 
Why therefore have ye brought him unto me? 
Have I need of wild mad men that ye bring 



SAUL 



45 



This fellow to my Kingly Palace here 

To play the madman in my Royal House — 

Must I forsooth, abide his presence here!" 

The Princes did rejoice at Achish' words 

And as they always do to show their joy 

Did set a mighty feast the self same night 

Meaning to do away with me next day. 

Before the feast Achish did send for me 

And said: "My soul is heavy with black woe. 

I love thee David for thy dauntless heart 

I ne'er forget thou didst Goliath slay — 

His fame began to overshadow mine 

And Haughtiness and he were wholly one! 

So I do feel I owe to thee a debt 

Which I do pay by saying in thine ear 

Fly e'en to-night — while yet there is the time 

To-morrow for thy life I'll answer not." 

Him then I thanked. Before I went he said 

"After a lapse of time thou may'st return 

When time hath 'suaged their rage at Goliath's 

death 
He was a champion whom the people loved." 
So I did flee, and word did get to thee 
To meet me here ere I t'Adullam go. 
In wild En-gedi shall I hide me deep — 
Amidst the wild goats on the beetling crags 
That stand like sentinels around that waste 
And frown on's devastation desolate- — 
But where is my soul's flower — sweet Michal's 

where? 
I'd longed to kiss her once before I go. 

(Jonathan hangs his head gloomily and is 
silent for a time — wishing to prepare David 
for bad news by his demeanour. Observing 
this David starts violently and says in a fierce 
tone) : 
She is not false ! She's not refused to come ! 
Jonathan. She is not false mine own beloved friend 

She loves the very ground thou tread'st upon. 
David. Then why is she not here ! The way's not long — 
Her swift white mule miffht make it in a dav ! 



46 SAUL. 

Jonathan. (Gloomily). I dread to lift the curtain dark of 

facts — 
David. (Starting in alarm) She's -neither dead nor ill — 

her health's too strong. 
Jonathan. (In low hushed tones.) My Father hath divorced 
her from thee 
And given her to Phaltiel to wife — 
Phalti, the son of Laish, the Gallimite. 

(David, in the fury which seizes him, hurls 
the spear in his right hand into the nearest 
tree, and raising both hands to Heaven in a 
gesture in which fury and despair struggle for 
mastery, exclaims in a voice hoarse with emo- 
tion) : 
David. Thou God of Justice hear thy servant's prayer ! 
Give back to me the Flower of my heart 
My font of happiness — my spring of joy ! 
Leave me not desolate for lack of her. 
The mystery which hovers o'er my life — 
The awful woe that dogs my least footfall — 
I'll bear for Thy sake but O ! Spare my wife! 
(No sooner have these words left David's lips 
than an almost miraculous calm takes instant 
possession of him. Jonathan starts in wonder 
at this extraordinary change without any ap- 
parent cause. David — now fully master of 
himself instantly notes the look of amaze- 
ment stealing over Jonathan's sympathetic 
countenance. David smiles and says in a low 
voice) : 
My friend a secret dread I now impart. 
The Lord hath answered me and said "All's 
weir— 
(Jonathan starts in terror at these words and 
looks about him in almost superstitious dread. 
David notes the action and smiling once more 
says in awed tones) : 
The Prophet Samuel did say to me — 
Appeared to me in vision as I slept— 
After his death which was such loss to me — 
The first night that I did arrive in Gath— 



S A U L 47 

"My son, now that thy dangers thicken over head 
The Lord ordains that I enlighten thee 
Anent the way He doth communicate 
With us his Prophets in our hour of need. 
Thou art a Prophet, named, from this night forth. 
Procure an Ephod and e'er bear the same 
Within thy baggage on thy journeyings. 
Whenever guidance from the Lord thou lack'st 
Endue the Ephod — then offer up thy prayer. 
jSo soon as offered wait the dread response. 
If it is meet that thou shouldst guidance get — 
Nor further grope thy way in doubt- — no more — • 
The Answer will be swift — but if not — not. 
To get the Answer stand thou at thine ease 
With muscles of thy tongue all full relaxed. 
If Answer thou may'st get thy tongue will move 
And speak to thee without thy taking thought. 
Thus thine own voice thou'lt hear — out His the 

Lord 
Who then doth speak to thee and not thyself. 
Thy voice will be most grave and regular 
Slower and lower than is usual. 
At the same time a chill will seize thy spine 
And play upon it when the Voice begins. 
This chill will chill thine heart with awful dread 
It is the dread that follows on a God. 
The chill will cease, the dread will cease to be 
The Voice will then roll on, and Message tell. 
When It shall cease — if further need thou hast — 
Further enlightenment upon the fact- 
Then put thy question hut give it no tongue 
Thy tongue is God^s while this dread act goes on. 
Think out thy question but move not thy lips — 
Move not a muscle of thy youthful frame. 
Before beginning take an easy pose 
Erect yet easy, muscles all — relaxed 
So that thou may'st commune without fatigue. 
Think out thy question — as in thine own soul 
Thou think'st a question when thy Conscience 
dread — 



48 S_A U L 

That mystic Representative of God 
Which He hath placed within each mortal heart 
To guide him o'er the perils of Life's Sea — 
Think out thy question — as when Conscience dread 
Doth order thee to do what's still obscure. 
If God intends t'enlighten thee still more 
Then Answer shalt thou get — but if not — not. 
But times will come that bring emergency — 
Dark times of danger, shadowed o'er by Death — 
In which nor time nor place for Ephod is. 
In times like these all ceremony's gone 
Then thou as Warrior — not as Prophet ask. 
In times like these assume the attitude 
That thou mayest maintain without fatigue 
To get the answer swift or, "Yes" or, "No" — 
Or two or three full simple little ivords 
That thou may'st get — e'en in the battle's shock* 
In times like these the Answer is not voiced 
Save but a still small voice that hath no tongue — 
The answer voiceless as one doth receive 
When heart of man puts question to his soul. 
Not e'en thy lips will move — not e'en thy tongue — 
It is not mete onlookers e'er should see 
Thee in communion dread with Deity." 
This awful privilege I but now employed 
When all my soul was torn with Hellish woe. 
Jehovah — bless His name! — did answer make 
And breathed: "All's well" — with that I am con- 
tent 
For that doth mean in time she'll come to me — 
My lily and my dove — and be my spouse. 
Jonathan. I thank thee David, for this confidence. 

Our God I thank I've covenant with thee — 
To e'er protect mine House and Kinsmen all. 
For now I see most plain our God's with thee 
And doth uphold thine arm and guide thy life. 
And now my friend we part — for Saul doth 
come — 
(David starts back in amazed and alarmed sur- 
prise at these startling and terrible words). 



SAUL 



49 



Fear not. Thou know'st' his promptness in all 

things of war — 
How he is ne'er behind — nor yet before. 
A trysting-place he set here for this day 
One hour precise before the set of sun. 
•A word on that and then — thou must be gone. 
The Queen hath bent his mind to see a Witch — 

(David starts in amazement and alarm). 
Since thou hast left, the Spirit haunts him not. 
David. The Lord is merciful. I praise His name. 

(Looking upward reverently and bowing his 
head as he speaks) . 
Jonathan. He surely is. My Father's moods are mild 

Compared to what they were when thou wast there. 
The Queen you know, doth favour Ashtaroth 
(David bows his head in assent — a look of min- 
gled scorn and compassion for the Queen 
shadoioing his face). 
She said to Saul one day but recently 
And in my presence — she doth favour me — 
"My lord the King I would consult a witch — 
A woman-wise I wot of — of great fame 
And also of great purity of life" — 
The King did start and fix his gaze on her — 
That awful gaze that chills one's very soul — 
And did speak out in tones so low and deep 
They carried rumbling thunder in their train 
"A Witch yet lives when I have purged the land! 
Of these High Priests of Superstition fouir 
"May't please the King" the Queen did calm reply 
"I took it on myself to do this thing — 
But hear me out, my lord, thoul't say 'twas wise. 
Knowing Jehovah had withdrawn Himself 
From thy most Kingly soul — left thee alone — 
And knowing the Prophet Samuel was dead — 
And knowing that the Lord no answer gave 
When thou did'st call on Him to guide thy path — 
Neither by Prophets nor e'en yet by dreams 
Nor yet by Urim in the breastplate dread — 
Breastplate of Judgment — rich in sparkling gems 



50 SAUL 

With sapphire, diamond and emerald 

Set in their frame of cunning needle work — 

Of gold, and blue, and purple — scarlet rich — 

Bound to the Ephod with its lace of blue — 

The warlike Ephod like tf habergeon 

Rich in its colours of the rainbow'' s hue! 

Knowing all this my lord I did make bold 

To cast my favour over Endor's Witch. 

And when all Witches thou didst ruthless slay — 

Obeying thus the orders of the Lord 

Which said : "Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live' 1 '' 

I did give orders that she should be spared 

Against the time when thoud'st have need of her. 

This being so I told her not to fly— 

That I'd protect her if she did but stay 

But straight refused to ply her aioesome trade — 

That those who sought her counsel shekel turn off.'''' 

The Queen then ceased and looked upon the King 

With those her wondrous eyes so full of love 

When she doth look on him — elsewise of pride. 

Grim Saul was silent for some little time. . 

He then did turn his gaze upon the Queen — • 

And love and pride did strive for mastery — 

Love for the Queen and pride in her great mind. 

He then did sigh, and said in heartfelt tones 

"Eizpah, thou hast done well — my dauntless 

Queen ! 
Who standeth steadfast when — Jehovah — goesP'' 
He then did order that Abner and I 
Should wait upon him when he saw the Witch. 
This did take place the day thy message came 
Setting this wood for this our conference, 
I therefore prayed the King that I might go 
Three hours before him all upon the way 
For to make certain that the Witch was there. 
This seemed good to him, and so I'm here. 
David. I thank the Lord the King hath such a friend 
And comforter as Eizpah is to him— 
And sure am I her counseVs from the Lord. 

(Jonathan starts incredulously, David notes the 

action and continues with fervour) : 



SAUL 51 

For, Jonathan, He works by dreadful means 
His means are mystery — past finding out ! 
He takes the world as He the world doth find 
Using all means unto His awful ends. 
The Witch of Endor do I know full well. 

(Jonathan once more starts incredulously). 
She gave me shelter once one awful night 
When lightening made the night as bright as day. 
I bore a secret mission from the King 
And rode alone as fast as horse could run. 
Night coining on and with it this dread storm 
I left the road and plunged into this wood 
Hoping to find a hovel of some sort. 
Sudden I came upon a little house 
A quarter of a mile from this same road. 
All round the house was neat and seeming kept. 
A little garden showed where flowers grew — 
Roses climb'd o'er a trellis at the porch. 
I tied my steed and knocked upon the door. 
After a pause a sweet voice said : "Come in" — 
The low sweet voice that gentlewomen have, 
I wonder did, that the voice said "Come in" 
Without inquiring who or what I was. 
I straightway entered in the clean neat room. 
A bright fire lit the room with its clear flame. 
The sight that met mine eye surprised me. 
I saw a woman in the prime of life 
Dressed in a clinging robe of purple dark 
A chain of gold encompassed her slim waist 
From which depended a Damascus blade — 
A dagger long of cunning workmanship. 
The blade was naked and its edge did gleam 
Like gold within the fire's bright ruddy blaze, 
no other ornament did she have on. 
The beauty of her voice did find a mate 
In the rich beauty of her countenance — 
A face most lofty, pure, and elevate 
A face that seemed above this world' of care. 
She smiled a winning smile — that yet was sad 
And at the same time steeped in mystery. 



52 SAUL, 

She bowed and said: "Young man thou'rt known 

to me 
Thy face in visions oft hath come to me. 
In thee I see our Israel's great hope. 
David, thou son of Jesse, welcome be 
And know, young man, thy future's big with fate''' 
I then did sit within the ingle-nook 
While she all brieflly did this tale unfold. 
She was the daughter of a Philistine 
Who once had been a man of mighty fame — 
Of fame and mighty substance in the land — 
Of noble blood — a Prince indeed was he ! 
He'd died in battle — in the wars with Saul. 
And this small house and this all small domain 
Were all were left unto his daughter dear. 
No other children had he, and no wife — 
For she had died in giving her her birth. 
Upon her Father's death he came to her 
And told her in a vision of the night 
That Ashtaroth ordained that she should be 
Of mighty fame within a dreadful Art — 
The Art of Divination by the dead — 
The Art of Necromancy — and naught less! 
That Ashtaroth had chosen her because 
She hacl*S6> suffered and had been so true 
Under the burden of her sufferings. 
Ever a virgin she would so remain 
And dedicate her life to Ashtaroth. 
That thereupon she'd find that she could bring 
Up from the grave the dead from out their sleep. 
Provided always that the cause was just. 
That she should take a gift for what she did 
As Priestess of the Cult she thus pursued. 
When she did cease the lightning ceased also 
Also the thunder which was crashing loud. 
And as I left the m,oon did shed her beam 
Upon her face — as holy — as serene. 
My friend I go, Jehovah guard thee well 
And thv dread Father — King of Israel. 



SAUL 53 

{They embrace once more affectionately and David, 
recovering his spear from the tree into which 
he had hurled it, exits to the right, in the di- 
rection of the Wilderness of En-gedi. Jona- 
than paces moodily up and down once or twice 
sighing deeply. He has scarcely made two 
turns of the stage before footsteps are heard 
and Saul, closely followed by the stalwart 
form of Abner appears from the left. 
Both are in full armour but over it 
each wears a dark, long robe reaching to with- 
in six inches of the ground. With Saul the 
robe is of dark reddish purple. With Abner 
of dark blue. The stuff of which each robe is 
made is coarse and suggestive — so far as tex- 
ture is concerned — of the rough robe of a Pro- 
phet. Their sioords are concealed by their 
robes. Each carries a spear in his hand. Saul's 
face is care-worn and anxious — as though 
about to take a step the outcome of which he 
secretly fears and dreads. Abner's face 
bears the calm indifference of a soldier of high 
rank. Jonathan bows low to his Father who 
returns the salute absently, saying — as Abner 
and Jonathan exchange silent salutations by a 
nod — in an abstracted and dreamy voice) : 
Saul. The Witch is here and ready for our work? 

Jonathan. She's here, my liege, I hid behind a tree 

And watched her gather lentils for her meal 
All in the garden small surrounds the house. 
I knew her not — of course — but judge 'twas she. 
Saul. 'Twas she for certain — for the Queen did say 

She keeps no servitors — not e'en a maid. 
(Aside and suppressing a shudder) — 
I wonder not at that — her awful Art — 
Bold summoning the spectres of the dead 
From their most dread Abode beneath the earth — 
Would scare away a man — with heart of steel/ 
(Aloud) The night draws on apace. Come ! Let 
us go. 



54 SAUL 

(To Jonathan) Lead thou the way since thou dost 
know the same. 
(As they move off the distant sound of a horse 
stamping its hoof is heard. Saul halts instant- 
ly and glances about him. After an instant's 
pause he says) : 
Our horses stamping — for they miss their feed. 
(Exeunt) . 



SAUL 55 



Scene II. 



The curtain is lowered for half a minute between 
Scenes I and II. 

(The interior of the abode of the Witch of En-dor. The 
room, is large — since it takes up the whole of the small house. 
A dark silk curtain at one end shuts off her small bed, toilet 
articles and cooking utensils. At the right of the stage — and 
opposite the aforesaid curtain — is the only door in the 
room. At the rear of the stage is a wide deep fire 
place in tohich a fire of logs is burning brightly. 
This is the only light in the room. Beside the door 
— to its right — is a couch large enough to accom- 
modate several persons sitting. It is only used for sitting 
upon as there is neither pillow, cushion, nor any rest for the 
head. It is upon this couch that her visitors used to sit when 
they came to invoke her dread Art — before the King had 
placed a ban thereon. A small table containing a woman's 
loork-basket, with some stuff of a dark rich material on which 
she is sewing, seated on a settle by its side, stands to the left 
of the fire place. The stuff trails from the table onto her lap. 
She is dressed precisely as she was when David last saw her, 
with her dagger at her side. Tier dark plentiful hair is done 
up on her head after the Tyrian fashion. She has evidently 
finished cooking and dispatching her simple evening meal. 
She sews industriously. Suddenly she bites off the thread and 
throwing the stuff onto the table rises and begins slowly to 
pace up and down the room. As she does so her tall grace- 
ful figure sways slightly from side to side. Suddenly she 
stops and her face turns pale. She presses her right hand to 
her heart and says in low awed tones) : 

Witch of En-dor. Ashtaroth Queen o'th' starry space on 
high 
My heart forbodes a meeting ominous — 
Speak to me Goddess — in my lonely woe ! 

(As soon as she has spoken she assumes an easy 
but upright attitude toith her hands and arms 
motionless at her side. She is in the centre of 
the room immediately opposite the fire place. 
Her glance is riveted upon a statue of the 



56 SAUL 

Goddess Ashtaroth about two feet and a half 
high made of solid gold standing in a 'niche, 
in the centre of the space over the mantel- 
piece and some two feet above the same. After 
a pause of some two minutes' 1 duration the 
Witch of En-dor shudders slightly and her 
own voice says in calm clear tones — louder 
than her usual tones hut yet not loud) : 
"Daughter I come to comfort thy distress." 

(The Witch of En-dor hows low and then re- 
sumes her former upright attitude. Her voice 
goes on) — 
"Thine Art so dread, so long without a use 
To-night shall be required of thee, my child." 
(The Witch of En-dor shrinks and cowers at 
these words. After a hrief spell she straight- 
ens herself and once more awaits a communi- 
cation from the Goddess. The voice then pro- 
ceeds) : 
"Fear not my child, no harm shall come to thee 
For breaking the dread mandate of fierce Saul." 
(The Witch of En-dor sighs deeply with relief 
and once more hows herself. The voice then 
goes on) : 
I shall not tell thee who the strangers are 
Who shall this night visit tlry dread abode — 
Abode that less than Palace of a King — 
Less than the Palace e'en of dreaded Saul — 
Needs watch or ward, or guard from enemies. 
The terror of thine Art doth hedge thee in 
As tho' a band of warriors kept guard. 
To-night from out the awful dread Abode 
Where go all men after their work is done 
From the Ahode of Death thou'lt call a many 
(Once more the Witch of En-dor shrinks and 
cowers before the awful prospect. Once more 
after a short time, she recovers her calm cour- 
ageous mien and assumes her former erect at- 
titude. The voice continues) : 
"I shall not tell thee who the Spectre is 



SAUL 57 

That thou shalt raise from the Abode of Death. 

Suffice it that no harm shall come to thee." 

{This time — after a pause — the Witch of 
En-dor hows herself to the ground. Upon 
regaining an upright attitude she sighs 
deeply and going to the couch seats her- 
self languidly upon it resting her head 
on her hand, her elbow resting upon her knee. 
She gases silently and sombrely into the fire. 
She has held this position for some five min- 
utes when footsteps are heard without, and an 
imperious knock sounds against the door. The 
Witch of En- dor starts from her reverie sud- 
denly and rising hastily to her feet — her right 
hand involuntarily falling upon the pommel 
of her dagger as she does so — moves swiftly 
but gracefully across the room away from the 
door and down stage to a corner. She then 
says in calm authoritative cold tones; in which 
not a vestige of fear or concern is discover- 
able) : 

Who knocks at hour of night upon my door ? 
Saul. {In a voice in which his naturally stern and com- 

manding tones are marvellously disguised, and 
in pleasing accents) — 

A wanderer who hath sore need of thee 

And would not harm a hair upon thine head. 
Witch of En-dor. Then enter, wanderer, and be well-come. 

{Enter Saul closely followed by Jonathan and 
Abner. Saul and Abner with their faces 
shrouded in their mantles, and their spears at 
a trail. Jonathan's spear also at a trail. Upon 
entering Abner carefully closes the door and 
places a heavy oak bar across it, letting it fall 
into the iron sockets for the purpose. There- 
upon Saul strides to the fireplace, and stopping 
at the right side thereof leans on his spear and 
gazes abstractedly into the flames. Jonathan 
and Abner meanwhile, keeping their stations 
by the door. The Witch of En-clor, who has 



58 SAUL 

as aforesaid, withdrawn towards the rear of 
the room towards the side opposite the door, 
upon the entrance of -the men, regards Saul 
pensively and in silence. After a time he 
rouses himself and leans his spear against the 
mantel-piece. He then — ivhile keeping his face 
closely muffled — makes a sudden gesture as 
though brushing cobwebs from before his face 
and begins to stride slowly up and down the 
length of the room. After taking two turns 
up and down he halts some ten feet away from 
the Witch of En-dor and still muffling his face 
says in tones more nearly approaching his 
usual ones, but entirely devoid of harshness or 
anger) : 
Saul. To-morrow do I fight the Philistine. 

(The Witch of En-dor starts violently and turns 
pale. Noticing this Saul continues in milder 
tones) — 
I'm in the train of Saul and fight 'neath him 
(The woman appears slightly more relieved. 
Saul noting this proceeds in more natural 
tones, but still devoid of harshness or author- 
ity)— 
Now I would know the issue of that day 
Whether defeat or victory impends. 
I pray thee now, divine thou unto me 
By the Familiar Spirit which thou hast — 

(The Witch of En-dor here starts violently and 
shrinks even further away from Saul). 
And bring me up whom I shall name to thee. 
(The Witch of En-dor here stifles a low shriek 
and after recovering her voice says hastily and 
in accents of passionate feeling) : 
Witch of En-dor. Behold thou knowest well what Saul hath 
done 
How he hath e'en cut off fro'th' face of earth 
Those women that Familiar Spirits had. 
Whei"efore then layest thou a snare for me — 
Snare for my life — to cause me e'en to die! 



SAUL j>9 

Saul. As the Lord liveth nothing shall befall 

No punishment shall happen for this thing 
Thou shalt escape all scathe and injury. 

{Relieved at these words the Witch of En-dor, 
after a long pause, during which she gradual- 
ly recovers her calm and lofty mien, leaves the 
corner of the room and moving towards the 
centre motions imperiously with her right hand 
for Saul to seat himself upon the couch by the 
door. At the same time she motions to Jona- 
than and Abner to do the same. Both stand 
motionless — fearing to seat themselves while 
in the presence of Royalty — much less upon the 
same couch as Royalty. Seeing this with a 
swift and imperious glance the Witch of En- 
dor halts in the centre of the room and says 
in abrupt cold imperious tones in lohich not a 
trace of respect for Saul or any of the others is 
to be found) : 
Witch of En- dor. The thing you ask is awful — terrible! 
Know that the dead will enter this same room. 
That one who now within th 'Abode of Death 
Doth wait — attending on the Judgment Day — 
Will hasten hither called by my dread Art. 
When he doth come nothing of him ye'll see. 
He is invisible to eye of earth. 
Only to eyes like mine by fastings purged 
And prayers unto the mighty Ashtaroth 
And who above all hath the gift I hold — 
The awful Art to summon up the dead 
And bring them once more to the light of day — 
Only by eyes like mine will he be seen. 
To ye nothing will happen but a dreadful fear 
Which will steal o'er ye like the breath of Death 
When once the Grave hath ope'd its awful jaws 
And in this room the Apparition stands. 
Naught will ye see, but feel a dreadful awe. 
Now when this awe doth fall thy knees will quake 
And ye would fall straightway upon the ground 
Did ye trust to thy limbs as sole support. 



60 SAUL 

That is the purpose of the couch ye see. 
On that couch have sat all who've come to me. 
Moreover, furthermore, there are dread laws 
In my dread Art which must be strict obeyed 
Or death would follow swift and strike me dead. 
As Priestess of mine Art I follow rule, 
Given unto me by dread Ashtaroth. 
(In stem and commanding tones') : 
These rules must be obeyed or I do naught. 

(Saul seeing from the determined and even ex- 
alted mien of the Witch of En-dor, as well as 
from her com/mandAng expression, that nothing 
is to be gained by standing upon the usual 
Royal ceremony towards his suite, hastily mo- 
tions Jonathan and Abner to seat themselves 
in the aforesaid order next him on the couch. 
This being accomplished swiftly and noiseless- 
ly — for despite the daring of the two men the 
awful experience they are about to undergo 
fills Jonathan and Abner with a hitherto ut- 
terly unknown — and unsuspected unguessed 
at — dread — this being accomplished swiftly 
and without noise— the Witch of En-dor turns 
slowly towards the golden statue of Ashtaroth 
and after bowing to the ground says in calm 
exalted tones) : 
Goddess of Heaven deign to hear Thy child. 
If it is Thy dread will that this thing be — 
That dread this miracle shall come to pass 
And that this wanderer's request be grant — 
Deign, Goddess, to inform Thy servitor 
And say if her dread Art she shall essay. 

(Upon these words being uttered she aivaits 
a response from Ashtaroth. She stands thus 
for a few moments in silence. The deep awed 
breathing of the three warriors being the only 
sound breaking the awful stillness. Presently 
the Witch of En-dor says in the elevated tones 
employed by the Goddess when addressing 
her) : 



SAUL 61 

"My daughter all is well with thee and thine 
Thou may'st essay thy dreadful Art in peace." 
{Thereupon the Witch of En-dor after once more 
bowing herself to the ground before the gold- 
en statue, turns to Saul and says in a voice in 
■which nothing of woman or scarcely of mortal 
is to be found — so elevated, remote, and above 
the world it is). 
Wanderer, whom shall I bring up unto thee? 
Saul. Bring me up Samuel — the Prophet dread. 

{At these words — in spite of her exalted mood — 
standing on the brink of the Unknown World 
— the Witch of En-dor starts and almost 
smiles in incredulity and scorn, knowing that a 
spirit so august as that of Samuel could not 
be disturbed from its repose but by one living 
man — and that man is Saul, the King — and as 
she has no idea that Saul is there she expects 
a fiasco. Whereupon she would have in- 
formed her visitors that certain spirits are 
so dread that none but the most exalted person- 
ages on Earth can consult them. The smile 
or rather ghost of a smile — which flits across 
her intellectual and beautiful features — the 
pale ghost of a smile has scarcely disappeared 
when to her terror and amazement the stern and 
awful apparition of the Prophet Samuel arises 
through the floor, half way between herself 
and the fire. This is nothing short of a death- 
sentence for her, since she knows that no living 
being but the King would be so honoured. 
Knowing Saul's decree concerning all women 
possessing Familiar Spirits she at once con- 
cludes that Saul has resorted to this subterfuge 
in order to obtain sufficient evidence to put her 
to death. She therefore shrieks out in despair- 
ing accents burying her face in her hands — and 
bowing herself slightly in her agony towards 
inhere Saul and the others sit. Saul and his 
suite know that something Supernatural has 



62 S A U L 

occurring, for each feels terror and a dread at 
his heart never before imagined. Stout heart- 
ed warriors as all are, all crouch and shrink 
from the awful void-ivhich yawns between the 
woman and the fire, and which all surmise is 
at that very moment occupied by a Visitant 
from Another World invisible to their carnal 
eyes but visible to her's — for her shriek and 
the agonized look of recognition as she gazes 
intd space speak louder than words of the ar- 
rival of a Fifth Occupant in the chamber. 
Saul's dauntless and terrific nature is the first 
to rally — and at least in part shake off and in 
part master the chill of Death — the breath of 
the Grave — which all fear but which none can 
see token of. The King — gasping for 
breath — and gripping his javelin which he has 
recovered before seating himself upon the 
couch — rouses his embattled soul for this 
contest with The Unseen. And after an almost 
superhuman effort— and while Jonathan and 
Abner are still dumb and terror-stricken — Saul 
manages to collect himself sufficiently to reply 
to the Witch of En-dor's wild toords of re- 
proach and deadly terror) : 

Witch of En-dor. Why hast thou deceived me ! For — thou — 
art — Saul! 

Saul. Be not afraid. Say — -what — what saivest — thou? 

Witch of En-dor. (Saul's lone and evident friendliness and 
deep interest in this terrific seance allay grad- 
ually the 'woman's terror; and by an heroic 
effort summoning her fortitude she once more 
collects herself and rising to her graceful 
height once more directs her gaze upon the aw- 
ful space betwixt her and the fireplace, and 
says in the same exalted tones as marked her 
accents before the catastrophe) : 
I saw Judges ascending out of the earth. 

Saul. What is his form — what his similitude? 

(The Witch of En-dor continues to gaze with 
calm scrutiny into space. Suddenly she says) : 



SAUL 63 

Witch of En-dor. An old man cometh up— be-mantled he. 
{It is now Saul's turn to take alarm. Instantly 
he knows that his daring experiment has been 
successful and that the dreadful figure of 
Samuel stands before him. Instantly he casts 
himself forward and bows his very face to the 
ground in reverence and awe and horror. 
Jonathan and Abner have by this time mastered 
their terror of the Supernatural — buoyed by 
the dauntless determination of Saul. Both 
bow their heads in awe as Saul makes obei- 
sance. Having made his obeisance to the 
dreaded space between the Witch of En-dor 
and the fire Saul draws himself up to his full 
statuesque height and then bows his Kingly 
head, and so stands in awed silence awaiting 
the awful tones of the Dead to break the 
startled stillness. After a pause a voice which 
has nothing of this world in it — so sad — so 
cold — so hopeless are its tones — says distinctly, 
but not loudly, from out the dreaded space) : 
The Spirit of Samuel. Why hast thou disquieted me to 
bring me up? 
(Saul shudders — as do Jonathan and Abner — 
at the unearthly tones. He then says in an awed 
voice — scarcely above a whisper — so dread is 
the pressure of the Bupernaturcd upon man) : 
Saul. I am sore distressed; for the Philistines — 

And God is departed from me, and answereth 
Me no more, neither by Prophets, nor by dreams. 
Therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest 
Make known unto me what I shall do. 
The Spirit of Samuel. Wherefore then dost thou ask of me 
seeing 
The Lord is departed from thee, and is become 
Thine enemy? And the Lord hath clone as He 
Spake by me:' for the Lord hath rent the Kingdom 
Out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour 
Even to David: Because thou obeyedst not 
The voice of the Lord, nor executedst 
His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore 



64_ SAUL 

Hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. 
Moreover the Lord will also deliver 
Israel with thee into the hand of the 
Philistines: and to-morrow shalt thou and 
Thy sons be with me: (Saul sivays as though a 
spear had pierced him. Then stands firm, — 
Jonathan starts and turns pale — out is other- 
wise unmoved. Abner scarcely represses a 
deep groan) the Lord also shall 
Deliver the host of Israel into 
The hand of the Philistines. 
Witch of En-dor. {After a pause — bowing to the ground he- 
fore the Golden Statue draws herself up to her 
full height and says turning mournful eyes 
upon the King) : 
My lord the King, the Apparition's gone. 

(At these words Saul — who by an Herculean ef- 
fort has held himself erect and in an almost 
haughty attitude of defiance after receiving his 
death-sentence and that of Jonathan from the 
awful Voice, now succombs to the shock it has 
been to him — coupled toith the fact that in view 
of the approaching contest ivith the Unseen 
he — to strengthen and fortify his spiritual 
forces, had subdued and humiliated his physi- 
cal ones by fasting totally — abstaining totally 
from nourishment of any sort, kind, or de- 
scription for the twenty-four hours immediate- 
ly preceding the seance. Nature can no more. 
He therefore without a sound falls prone upon 
his face upon the floor — throwing out his left 
arm — while his right hand bravely grasps his 
spear — so as to shield his face as he falls. 
Jonathan and Abner dart forward and raise 
the fallen Monarch to his feet, and lead him to 
the couch and set Mm thereon. Saul gazes 
about him in a dazed manner for a moment or 
t W o — still partially stunned by the fall of so 
tall and powerful a man. As he does so the 
Witch of En-dor approaches the couch, and 
kneeling before the King raises the skirt of his 



SAUL 65 

mantle to her lips. After doing so she rises to 
her feet and crossing her hands on her breast 
says in low mournful heart-broken accents) : 
My Sovereign, my heart bleeds for thee and thine 
For this thy noble son — thy Jonathan 
For I do feel 'tis Jonathan 'tis here. 

(Saul now fully recovers consciousness, bows 
Ms head in sad assent — while Jonathan and 
Abner stand at hand in attitudes of respectful 
solicitude for their King. Thereupon the 
Witch of En- dor continues) : 
My lord, would that my death might save thee and 

thy son! 
If that might be this dagger would drink blood. 
{Touching with a swift but dramatic gesture the 
pommel of the glittering gold-hilted Damascus 
blade at her girdle of gold; with a tone and 
look of calm and lofty self-abnegation and de- 
termination which carries conviction — even to 
the ears of her hearers stunned and lacerated — 
so to speak by the awful tidings from such an 
awful source — which carries conviction of the 
sincerity and dauntlessness of her words). 
But now my King thine handmaid begs of thee 
Partake of nourishment before you go. 

(Saul slowly makes a gesture of negation with 
his head, in which gesture despair is the ruling 
emotion) . 
Nay, but my Liege, hear but thine handmaid now. 
Behold thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice 
And I have put my life into my hand 
And hearkened to thy words which thou didst say 
And called the Apparition from the Grave. 
Now therefore Saul, my King, lend ear to me 
And hearken thou also unto my voice — 
O ! Hearken to the voice of thine handmaid — 
And let me set a morsel before thee 
And eat, that thou may'st have the strength to go — 
Saul. I will not eat. Maiden I will not eat. 

Witch of En-dor. ( Drawing herself up proudly before the 
King and saying in clarion tones — drawing her 



66 SAUL 

dagger as she speaks and holding it aloft as 
though leading a charge and beckoning Saul 
to the fray) : 
Then eat my Lord to get the strength to fight/ 
(The words have scarcely left her lips before 
Saul — his heart thrilled in spite of himself by 
this utterly unselfish interest in, and devotion 
to, the ivelfare of a fallen Monarch, starts to 
his feet as though electrified out of his torpor 
of cold despair by her fiery words, and drawing 
his sword, shouts in trumpet-tones which seem 
to shake the very rafters of the room) : 
Saul. Saul is himself again! Maiden my thanks. 

(The Witch of En- dor smiles proudly and hap- 
pily — Jonathan and Abner carried away by the 
heroic fortitude of their King draw their 
swords and shout in unison) : 
Jonathan and Abner. Lead on great King! We're with thee 

to the death! 
Saul. '^Smiling proudly at this dauntless devotion to a 

hopeless cause says as he sheathes his sword — 
and his suite do likewise) : 
My noble son ! And Abner my right hand ! 
I'll eat to get the strength to fight the foe — 
Eat to regain the strength to give command 
When battle's waves are surging to and fro ! 
My case is hopeless — I've received my doom 
The Lord hath spoken by the Spectre's words. 
But 'mongst the Philistines we'll hew a tomb 
A death-chamber wide-carved by our swords! 
Let the uncircumcised beware of Saul 
Beware his sword in his last fight on earth! 
My veins run vitriol my heart pumps gall 
So that my fury shall not taste of dearth! 
And when on earth my sword hath rung my knell 
I'll fight the Fiend that haunted me — in Hell! 
(Drawing his sioord and making a terrific lunge 
forward, into the space before the fireplace in 
which the spirit of Samuel had appeared). 

The End. 



"SAUL AND DAVID" 



A TRAGEDY 



IN TWO ACTS 




BY 



JOHN ARMSTRONG CHALONER 



AUTHOR OF 



"SCORPIO" 



"SAUL AND DAVID" 
A Tragedy 

In Two Acts. 

DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
Saul. King of Israel. 
David. The Son of Jesse. 
Gad. David's Seer or Prophet. 
Jonathan. Son of Saul, and Heir- Apparent to the Throne 

of Israel. 
Doeg. The Edomite. Formerly Chief Herdsman of Saul. 

Now Head of Saul's Body-Guard. 
Phaltiel. A Favourite of Saul, To Whom he has Given the 

Princess Michal. 
Maharai. One of Saul's Captains. 

Abner. Commander of the Army of Saul and his Cousin. 
Ahimelech. The Priest of The Lord. 
Adino. The Taclynonite. A Debtor. Later Chief of David's 

"Mighty Men." 
Eleazar \ 

Shammah Dehtor8m Later David's "Mighty Men." 

Abishai ( 

Benaiah I 

Gedor-The-Gedderite. A Fugitive from "The Avenger of 

Blood." 
Michal. Princess of The House of Saul. Wife of David. 

Place: The Wilderness of En-gedi. 



ACT I. 

(The Cave of Adullam. Time: Just after night- fall. 
Less than a week has elapsed since David's parting with Jona- 
than in "Saul." The Gave is a lofty and profound recess in 
the cliff -side of the Wilderness of En-gedi. A fire of faggots 
bums brightly in the centre of the Cavern. David is seated 
on a large square stone before the fire. In full armour. Shield 
on arm, sword at side and spear used as a support by his right 
arm. David is alone.) 

David. Ah ! Woe is me ! Th'accursed role I play ! 
Friend to the Lord and enemy of man. 
(After a pause) My life doth hang upon a very 

hair! 
That demon Saul — so soon's his wars are done — 
His wars against the war-like Philistines — . 
Will turn his mind to me and track my life ! 
(A pause) I term him demon yet I admire him — 
His Kingly courage and his mighty soul 
That feareth not to cope with Hell itself — 
That feareth not the anger of the Lord — ■ 
When his ambitious plans order the risk — 
Who feareth nor' Jehovah nor black Hell 
When his ambition dread doth beckon him! 
And he did love me in the days gone by 
Before fell jealousy of me arose 
And like a spirit fierce o'er-mastered him — 
E'en like the evil spirit from the Lord 
That haunted him because of Amalek — 
Agag the proud — the King of Amalek — 
Because he spared him and his mighty herds — 
In lieu of slaying them as God ordained. 
Yea ! Saul did love me in the days of yore ! 
Before the slaying of the Philistine — 
Before Goliath vast my sling laid low — 
Before returning from that slaughter vast 
When th' Philistines we smote both hip and thigh 



SAUL AND DAVID 



When Saul i'th' forefront of the battle gleamed 

Like the incarnate sword o'th' "Man of War" — 

His voice a trumpet and his eye a flame 

As he led on his hosts to victory! 

Until we did return fro'th' slaughter dread — 

Our swords all blunted from the men they'd slain 

When all cities op'ed their gates in Israel 

When maids and matrons singing did come forth 

Singing and dancing all — to meet the King 

Striking the tabret with their ready hands 

Singing in joy before dread Saul the King! 

But then oefell the cause of all my woe. 

For cause unknown the women honoured me 

Above dread Saul — above all Israel's King — 

Singing that Saul had slain but thousands one 

Whilst I ten thousand foemen had cut down. 

This was not true — Saul slew five to my one 

He's stronger, older, larger far than I. 

Now Saul did hear and he was very wroth 

Who would not be — a King and bear such words! 

And murmured low : "What more can David have 

And what can he have more out the Kingdom? 

The maidens thus in me a rival raised 

A rival for the Kingdom with King Saul! 

/ do n*ot loonder that he hateth me. 

But 'tis my dread misfortune not my fault 

I covet not the Kingdom — no — not I 

I long to serve the King of Israel 

My happiness would be to serve King Saul. 

{A pause) But that can never be — no more again — 

Usurper — nothing less — he sees in me 

Nor can I chide him for 'tis natural 

To think me one, hearing the maidens' song! 

Thus all my hopes are frustrate and destroyed. 

My darling Michal giv'n to Phaltiel 

And Jonathan my dearest friend shut off 

My Father and my Mother exiled both 

By my most bitter fate to th' Moabite 

The King of Moab pity took on them 

And gave them harbourage in this our strait — 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



Wife, best friend, Parents scattered to the winds 
What could be bitterer than this my fate! 
Gad. {Entering the mouth of the Cave without a sound — 

his bare feet making no slightest sound upon 
the rock out of which the Gave is hewn. Gad 
is a powerful man of fierce appearance. He is 
clad in the rough mantle of a Prophet gath- 
ered about the waist by a rough leather belt. 
His hair and beard are long. He carries a 
stout staff some six feet in length. He is a 
man of middle-age). 
Who is't dares murmur thus against the Lord 
Against the Man of War — Jehovah J ah! 

(David who has sprung instantly to his feet at 
the first sound of the Prophet's voice, throw- 
ing his shield before him, draws back his 
spear ready to hurl it at the intruder, upon 
recognizing Gad drops his spear and spreading 
out his arms in a gesture of apology and sup- 
plication of pardon on the ground of his deep 
regret — says hastily) : 
David. Father forgive me — I did know thee not. 
Gad. Ask mercy of the Lord — thou froward youth 

Not from an humble vessel of His wrath ! 
David. Father I am alone — and lonely am. 
Gad. It will not be for long — thou froward youth 

My Prophet's ear doth hear 'mongst beetling crags 

And by the edge of dizzy precipice 

The tread of armed men approaching here. 

(David starts suddenly. And lays firm hold on 
his spear, at the same time darting to the 
mouth of the Cave which is at the rear of the 
stage, and applying his ear thereto). 
I said my "Prophets" ear — stripling perverse! 
Not ear of vilest man — not ear of man ! 
David. {Returning to the fire by the side of which the 

Prophet has seated himself upon the stone 
formerly occupied by David, pulling a second 
large stone from, several others piled at the 
side of the Cave, and, to the fire, seats himself 
thereon with a somewhat crestfallen air. Gad 



SAUL AND DAVID 



regards him with an eye as unrelenting and 
inhuman as that of a stone Idol — after a min- 
ute and prolonged dissection of David's coun- 
tenance, during which David — so soon as a 
hasty glance at the Prophet's impregnable 
countenance has apprised him of what is in 
progress — namely a reading of his soul by the 
fiery but implacable eye of his visitant — invol- 
untarily slightly shrugs his shoulders and 
gases sombrely into the bright flames. When 
it has pleased the Prophet to conclude his 
scrutiny the latter says in the cold harsh high- 
pitched but thoroughly masculine tones char- 
acteristic of his fiery and indomitable nature) : 
Gad. Hark ye, young man unto my pungent words. 

(David conceals a smile and raises his eyes to- 
wards the large and fiery orbs of the Pro- 
phet) . 
Rebellion is a thing despised by God 
A stench within His nostrils odorous! 
The stench of all vile stenches most detest. 
But Revolution, on the other hand 
Is the grand mystic wheel which turns the world 
From stinking cesspool of stagnation damned 
To purlitig pellucid stream — joy of the world ! 
One thing alone doth differentiate 
The stinking cesspool from the purling stream — 
One thing beside the stench— of course we mean — 
And that one thing's Success — thou hopeful youth ! 
(David fails to conceal this time the broad smile 
which like sunshine from time to time over- 
spreads his otherwise extraordinarily stern 
countenance — extraordinary in one so young 
and inexperienced in the way of the world*). 
David. I smile, my Father, that thing practical 
A thing so practical as mere success — 
So baldly worldly as is mere success — 
Should be the engine of Almighty God. 
Gad. {Starting, while a ferocious glare springs into 

his fiery eyes as he involuntarily grasps his 
formidable staff and half lifts its ponderous 



SAUL AND DAVID 



length in his brawny and hairy hand) — 
Thou paltry little wretch! Thou stripling vile! 
Dar'st thou e'en criticize the ways of God! 
David. (By a violent effort conceals a smile, and says in 

humble tones, trembling someiohat with sup- 
pressed amusement at the frightful violence 
and suddenness of the Prophet's moods — even 
surpassing — if that be possible — those of Saul 
in said respect). 
Forgive me Father — 'twas not my intent 
To criticize Jehovah's awful plan 
By which He rules the world in mystery 
But 'twas the thought that nothing ethical — 
Nothing of virtue — nought of justice e'en 
Doth sever and divide these two dread things 
Doth Revolution from Rebellion mark— 
Nought but Success and not a thing beside! 
'Twas at the thought of that, that I did smile. 
Gad. Fools smile where wise men weep my youthful 

friend. 
But time doth press — the marching tread draws 

near. 
So with a single wrench I'll drag away 
The veil which now with folly blinds thine eye! 
Know that Success is ever from the Lord. 
'Tis He that holds the Scales within His hand — 
That all things in this world conform to Him ! 
That e'en the Devil bows his stubborn crest — 
That haughty Satan bows his iron will-r- 
Unto the glorious will of the Most High. 
And not a single act doth Satan do — 
Nor one of the fierce Fiends that serve his will — 
Until — that — act — permitted — is — by — God! 

(David starts in amazement). 
Each act of Satan is an act of God. 
Satan but tries the souls of men on earth 
According to the plans laid down by God — 
The Book of Job doth show the procedure — 
To take the task of testing off God's hands. 
Until a soul's been tested nothing's known 
Of what said soul will do — or good or bad. 



SAUL AND DAVID 



God sees no soul is tested past its strength. 

After this life then Satan throned in Hell 

Doth purge the soul of sins commit on earth. 

Thus purging and thus punishment are one! 

There is a Science dread beneath all things 

That find a being in this breathing world. 

That two and two are four is part of God — 

Part of His Godhead — part of Verity — 

Coexistent with Deity — one with. 

God could not make two and two any more 

Nor any less than they are — which is four. 

For if He did He'd not be God of Truth. 

This principle so simple runneth through 

The motions of a gnat and those o'th' spheres. 

The Universe is bound by certain Laws 

Co-equal with the Lord and part of Him. 

Both are eternal — fixed — immutable/ 

Such being so, the hardships which you see 

Dreeing their weird on earth and causing woe 

Permitted are because the earth's a pot — 

Vast smelting-pot for th' trying o' the soul. 

Lastly, sin hath a nature deep — mysterious. 

It scars the soul and doth the soul corrupt. 

Like a fell leprosy it scars the soul 

And covers same with blotches foul to see. 

So after death the flames of Hell are used 

To purge away said scars and make souls clean. 

The pain is awful — and hence punishment 

Inevitably follows upon crime. 

"Vengeance" saith the Lord, lo ! "vengeance is 

mine." 
'Tis His — for He alone may purge the soul — 
And purging is a process — ominous! 
My youthful friend having the Veil of Fate 
Removed from off thy young and doting gaze 
No more hope I to hear from out thy lips 
Wonder expressed that Success is from the Lord. 
David. I thank thee Father for thine homily 

Vouchsafed to such unworthy wight as I 
Upon the question vast of Life and Death. 
The Devil then is not the foe of man? 



SAUL AND DAVID 



Gad. Not of good men who've undergone his tests 

And proved thereby superior thereto. 
Them doth he welcome with a gladsome hand 
As from the Lake of Flames they dread emerge. 
Proving by their emergence that they're true — 
Brave souls and true — and worthy of their God. 
For if they're false they sink within the Lake — 
And only do emerge in bitter woe. 
But to conclude and fit thee for thy task. 
The Lord ordains that thou shalt succeed Saul 
Upon the Koyal Throne of Israel. 
An army must thou have for this thy task. 
That army is the one whose tread I hear. 

(David starts eagerly.) 
'Tis small at first — 'tis but four hundred men — 
But time will swell their number to a host. 
With this small force shalt thou contend with 
Saul — 
David. (Starting violently.) With Saul at th? head oHh'' 

Hosts of Israel! 
Gad. With Saul at th' head o'th' Hosts of Israel. 

(Gad pauses to view the effect of his words. 
David gazes into the flames like one absorbed, 
almost like one in a trance of dread and hor- 
ror. Gradually a look of exalted calm spreads 
itself over his beautiful features heretofore 
contracted in a spasm of pain, dread and horror 
at the utter desperation of the prospect thus 
bluntly shoved into his face by the terrible 
and ruthless Prophet — and looking from the 
fire into the stony gaze of Gad he says) : 
David. Jehovah lives/ And rules this stormy world! 
If God support me I fear not the world! 
If God support me I will fight dread Saul 
With a mere handful of determined men ! 

(The sombre countenance of the Prophet relaxes 
slightly at these bold words', and he says in 
someiohat less harsh and repellant tones than 
those habitual to him.) 
Gad. Thou hast well said young man, thou hast well 

said — 



10 SAUL AND DAVID 



I e'en commend thy faith and fortitude. 

A few brief words and then shall I be gone. 

The Revolution that thou now dost start — 

Called by Saul Rebellion and nought less — 

Will place thee on the Throne of Israel. 

'Tis not ordained that thou shalt slay the King. 

The Lord will stir up Achish King of Gath 

And by his warriors shall dread Saul fall. 

His troops shall worst the armies of the Lord 

And after that shalt thou reign o'er the land. 

But a dread interval doth now impend 

In which shall Saul hunt thee as — he — hunts — 

game — 
This Cave is thy Headquarters in this war 
Which thou and thy small force shalt wage with 

Saul. 
The nature of the country greatly aids 
Thee in thy combats with the dreaded King. 
The country admits not that a great force 
Be brought here by the King to harry thee — 
It scarce supports the wild goats harbouring here. 
So the main problem at the outset's solved — 
'Saul cannot bring a force can surround thee. 
Be active, vigilant, and swift of foot 
And thousand thine shall e'er escape his net. 

David. Of what's made up this force — who are the men 
Who thus do venture on a thing so desperate — 
If I my Father may be bold to ask? 

Gad. Thou may'st my son. A Band of desp'rate men 

Is that whose feet my Prophet's ear doth hear. 
A Band of debtors fierce — hitter of soul — 
At war with Order and Authority 
Distressed in habit and distressed in heart — 
Filled with unrest and discontent are they — 
And ready for adventures desperate! 
Bold as the lion, surly as the bear 
Impatient of command, hating all rule — 
By Jah ! My son this Band will bring to hand 
Primeval passions dread as dangerous! 
It is Jehovah's purpose thee to try 
And discipline thee in the School of War 



SAUL AND DAVID 11 



And discipline thee in the rule of men 
To fit thee for the work the Future holds. 
Be stern but just, and thou shalt rule these men 
As the resistless wind doth rule the waves! 
Farewell (Rising abruptly and about to stride out 
of the Cavern. David springs to his feet and 
kneeling reverently before him says in tones 
resonant toith emotion) : 
David. Bless me dread Prophet — once — before we part. 
Gad. (With something approaching a look of satisfaction 

swiftly stealing over his rugged countenance as 
he shifts his formidable staff from his right 
hand to his left, and placing his powerful hand 
upon David's bowed head, says in tones far 
lower than any he has yet used and entirely de- 
void of the menacing ring characterising his 
accents) : 
Jehovah Jah, Thou mighty Man of War 
Look down upon this youth and arm his soul 
For the fierce trials that do now impend. 
Strengthen his arm when he hath need to strike 
So that dread Death may issue on the blow. 
Inform his mind so that authority 
May breathe from out his lips — flame from his eye ! 
Inform his mind so that his judgment's just 
Fair and impartial as it's fierce and stern. 
Inform his mind with th' cunning of the fox 
So that these desperate men he may outwit — 
These lawless spirits fearing nor God nor man 
Whose only god is Self — enthroned — alone. 
Inspire his tongue with eloquence from Thee 
To charm these spirits turbulent and fierce. 
Endue him with a spirit bold and free 
So that his words these spirits fierce may pierce 
Armour his spirit with steel-like control 
That shall his passions hold as in a vice. 
So that when Passion's waves in's Band do roll 
He may o'ermaster them — and in a trice. 
Hold firm his faith in Thee in good and ill. 
And set a watch o'er his bold spirit's pride. 
So that he shall the post of Captain fill 



12 SAUL, AND DAVID 



And shall his little Band to victory guide 
Keep his aim centred on the Future World 
When round his soul the waves of Life are curled. 
(Upon concluding his prayer the Prophet stalks 
from the <Cave without further word or look at 
David. The latter rises slowly from his knees 
and regards with reverence the egress of the 
stern and mysterious figure of the Prophet. 
David then begins to pace slowly up and down 
the Cave, his head bowed in deep thought. 
Scarcely has he made five turns of the Gave be- 
fore the steady tread of a large body of men 
marching towards him breaks upon his ear. 
Instantly he assumes a stern and commanding 
aspect, and stations himself so that he faces 
the entrance of the Cave, having the fire be- 
tween him and it. Presently a stem and mar- 
tial voice at the entrance to the Cavern cries 
"Halt/" and the sound of marching feet in- 
stantly ceases. After a brief pause the voice 
continues) : 
The Voice. Is David the Son of Jesse in this Cave ? 
David. He is, O ! stranger. Who and what art thou ? 
The Voice. I am a man who hath been Passion's slave. 

All earth'i draughts have I quaff'd her pleasures 

plumbed. 
So that no more do I for pleasure crave. 
My palate in that line is thoroughly numbed. 
I seek adventure and I seek grim war. 
A life in cities fills me with disgust. 
So have I culled a Band from near and far 
Whose fortunes unto thee I now entrust. 
We love not Saul — we love less his stern rule. 
We know he hates thee and that gives us hope 
That thou, Saul's son-in-law, will o'er us rule 
That our united strength with Saul may cope. 
A Band of hardy spirits have I here 
Strangers to Law as they are strange to fear. 
David. Welcome. Bold spirit ! Be ye welcome here ! 
In this grim Wilderness devoid of man. 
And welcome be thy Band devoid of fear 



SAUL. AND DAVID 13 

Glad am I that that Band I'll shortly scan. 

I'll be your Captain — honoured in the task 

I'll be your Captain and lead ye to fight. 

That my just rule ye honour's all I ask 

My banner bears two words: "Justice" and 

"Eight." 
Under that rule ye'll find me just but stern — 
War without sternness is a war of fools — 
Accepting that I for your comfort yearn 
As pants the thirsty hart for Jordan's pools. 
Be true to me, and I'll be true to you 
Welcome ! Bold stranger and thy dauntless crew I 
The Band. ( At these words the Band shout in unison) : 

Long live the Son of Jesse — our great chief! 
The Voice. Well spoken Son of Jesse — Captain bold 

We now shall enter in thy grim stronghold. 

{Thereupon the Unknown enters the Gave fol- 
lowed by the Band. The Unknown is a young 
man of handsome appearance, powerful build 
and martial bearing. He and his followers are 
all in complete armour, with stoords in sheath, 
shield on arm and spear in hand. The Un- 
known so soon as the Band have stationed 
themselves in orderly rank about the Cavern 
strides forward surrounded by a picked Body- 
guard of four young men as martial as him- 
self. He draws his sword and salutes David. 
The four young men with him do the same. 
David returns the salute with his sword. The 
Unknown then says) : 
Adino. My name is Adino, the Tachmonite 

(Adino then presents each of the body-guard in 
succession) . 
And this is Eleazar, th'Ahohite, 
This Shammah, son of Agee, th'Hararite. 
This Abishai, son of Zeruiah. 
This Banaiah, son of Jehoiada. 
Each Captain of a Hundred in our Band. 
Of which am I the Chief up to this time. 
That title I resign into thine hand 
And hold me ready to obey thy will. 



14 



SAUL AND DAVID 



David. My thanks, Adino bold, my heartfelt thanks. 
And I name thee the Captain of mine host. 
Thy four Lieutenants hold their present ranks — 
Each Captain of a Hundred — as his post. 
Thou Captain of my Body-Guard also 
Which self same Body-Guard shalt thou choose out. 
Knowing the men that task cans't thou best do 
For me 'twould be a task shade o'er with doubt. 
Now that our ranks are formed, sit ye at ease 
Around our little fire and tell to me 
What brought ye to this pass — if ye do please — 
That in the guise of outlaws I ye see. 
I am an outlaw too — so that's a tie 
Shall bind us in defeat or victory. 

(The five young men motion to those of the Band 
nearest them to bring stones from the pile at 
the side of the €avem for them to sit upon. 
As they seat themselves David says with a wave 
of his hand to the Band) : 
Recline at ease — lie down and take thine ease. 
The time will come when ye'll have need of it. 
Let first a Watch be set at the Cave's mouth. 
(Thereupon Adino rising summons two of the 
Band, and after giving them orders in a low 
tone, tind the Watch has marched of to its post 
of duty, seats himself on a stone by the fire 
and begins, the Band having stretched them- 
selves at ease about the Cavern) : 
Adino. In Hebron was I born of substance great — 
Hebron the Refuge City of the Lord — 
My Father was a man of substance vast 
Who died before I grew to man's estate. 
An only son my Mother spoiled me 
And let my will but wait upon my wish — 
Whate'er I wanted that at once I got. 
When my possessions I did enter on 
I entered on a living riotous — 
Horses of price and slaves from Egypt far 
Jewels to deck my slaves and make them fair — 
Yea fairer e'en than Nature e'en had made — 
And she'd been lavish at this self-same task. 



SAUL AND DAVID 15 

In short in riot wild and wassailing 
With youthful comrades did I spend my days 
Until my substance was near eaten up — 
But ten thousand golden shekels did remain. 
My Mother died and I was all alone 
Without or kith or kin to counsel me. 
Then creditors began to 'siege mine house 
And threat to dispossess me — and forthwith. 
Now I had travelled wide throughout the land- 
While yet my substance did permit th 'expense — 
The other Eefuge Cities visited 
Sechem and Kedesh, Bezer and Golan 
And also Ramoth — making up the six 
Jehovah did appoint as refuge sure — 
For those who'd killed a man in quarrel just — 
From the Avenger of Blood and his fell hand. 
From one of these do thy four Captains come — 
Each from a different one as chance befalls. 
Each from his city came — of name of note. 
Each was a friend of mine own family — 
To whom I letters brought and was each' guest. 
Each city did abound in hunted men 
Men who had killed their man and got away — 
Killed in fair fight I mean — not lain in wait — 
So when I found my treasure nearly spent 
The plan occurred to me to form a Band 
Of desp'rate men ta'en from the Cities Six 
And with them seek new fortunes thro' the world. 
Like seeketh like in this our merry world 
And thus like m,e were my four comrades here! 
Each was in debt and hound by creditors 
Each yearned for change and — hoped for better 

days. 
So I did straightway then communicate 
With Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai — 
Forgetting not our bold Benaiah here — 
And told them of my plan and to choose out 
From out the hunted men the stoutest hearts 
Thus to make up a Band four hundred strong — 
A hundred / would bring and leave them three. 
That if my plain seemed meet unto their eyes 



16 



SAUL AND DAVID 



That they and their retainers I'd fit out 

With sword and spear and shield and armour 

strong. 
That they should all then gather in my town 
After I'd sent them money for their arms — 
For which my ten thousand shekels would suffice. 
No sooner said than done — all did come in 
Unto my novel plan with eagerness 
And in a trice an army did I have 
With which to carve my fortune or — my grave. 
David. I see the hand of God within all this — 

Strange tho' it sound Jehovah's Hand's therein. 
The Prophet Gad did recent speak with me. 
And prophesied your coming e'er ye came. 
(The four Captains of Hundreds and Adino start 
in awed surprise at this marvellous news and 
gaze at each other in silence for a moment or 
two). 
Adino. [Turning to David.) I too do see the Hand of 
God herein 
Since Gad the Prophet prophesied to thee 
That we should come. Did he encourage thee 
Might I be bold to ask, in this emprize? 
David. Most willingly Adino — willingly. 

He said 'twould place me upon Israel's Throne^ 
(No sooner had these words left David's lips 
than the whole Band headed by Adino and the 
Four Captains spring to their feet and draw- 
ing their sivords shout) : 
The Band. Hail David ! Future King of Israel ! 
David. I thank thee warriors for thy good will 

The future's big with hope for each of us. 

(As they are about to resume their seats upon the 
large stones surrounding the fire a loud com- 
motion is heard in one corner of the Cavern. 
David and his Officers spring to their feet and 
David — his face instantly assuming a stern and 
menacing expression in which there is no more 
hint of the almost feminine charm of manner 
which distinguishes it when in conversation, 
than there is to be found hint of the melodious 



SAUL. AND DAVID 17 



sweetness and softness of his voice, under the 
same conditions, in the trump et-tongued 
clarion-like shout which now leaves his lips as 
he thunders) : 
Who dares disturb our quiet with a brawl! 

{Thereupon the sounds of disturbance instantly 
cease and a deep surly voice growls out in sul- 
len and menacing accents) : 
Gedor-the-Gedderite. One who doth whate'er he pleases, 
where'er he be. 
(David involuntarily shifting his spear to his left 
hand and dropping involuntariiy his right 
hand upon his sword hilt is about to thunder 
forth a reply when Adino says in low tones 
meant only for David's and the Officer's ears.) 
Adino. Forbear my Chief, he is a desperate man. 
I know his reputation in my town. 
He'd fled there for a refuge recently — 
A noted sworder and a brawler fierce. 
Him because of's skill in fence and hardihood 
I took — knowing full well I took a deadly risk 
Of having him to fight with before long. 
David. That shalt thou never have, my Adino, 
Unless he out-fence me i'th' coming bout 
Which I propose to have with this same man — 
(Adino starts violently and turns pale saying 
hastily) : 
Adino. Nay, then, my Chief, if combat there must be 
Let me supply thy place and fight with him — 
It is not fitting our exalted Chief 
The son-in-law of Saul — all Israel's King 
And slayer of Goliath — giant vast 
Should risk his life and with it our high hopes 
At sword-play with a burly ruffian 
Unworthy e'en to lace thy sandals up. 
David. Adino, I am forced to meet this man. 
To show our followers that I am chief. 
Think but a moment on the plight we're in — 
All outcast outlaws hunted by fierce Saul. 
How can we ever hope for victory 
Against a King whose motto is "Obey" — 



18 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



Which motto moulds his soldiers to his hand 
Till they're an instrument as true as sword — 
How can we hope to win 'gainst forces trained 
"T'obey and instantly their leader's voice 
When by our soldiers it is calmly claimed 
That they need sole obey if't suits their choice! 
By the fierce spirits which comprise our Band 
No chief would be respected for one day 
If on the utterance of his command 
A soldier could dispute and have his say. 
No ! I must fight and show our spirits bold. 
That David's word with them's their only law 
A law which swift will make of this our hold 
Stronghold impregnable — fortress 'thout flaw. 
If I should fall assume thou the command 
And levy tribute on the nearby land. 
Adino. (Sighing heavily.) Thy will's my law, my chief 
whate'er betide 
And may fair Victory be on thy side. 
David. Adino my thanks. (Then in stern and command- 
ing tones) Mutineer stand forth. 
(Whereupon there is a movement amongst the 
soldiers in one corner of the 'Cave and the 
burly and powerful form of Gedor-the-Ged- 
der*ite stalks forth. He is a 'man of forbidding 
and sinister countenance with a deep gash on 
his forehead made by a sword-stroke in by- 
gone brawls. As he nears the fire he eyes 
David malignantly and fearlessly. His spear 
is in his hand. David watches him warily 
lest he suddenly hurl his spear at him. To 
guard against said manoeuvre David keeps his 
shield-arm raised so that he can afford him- 
self shelter should the weapon leave the Ged- 
derite's hand. When within some six feet of 
the fire the latter halts and regards David 
with an eye of death. David calmly but stern- 
ly returns the look and swiftly runs his eye 
over the Gedderite's face and frame to esti- 
mate his courage, intelligence, agility and 
physical condition, with the vieio of basing his- 



SAUL AND DAVID 



19 



Gedor. 
David. 



Gedor. 



tactics in the coming duel-to-the-death upon 
the outcome of his aforesaid hasty scrutiny. 
And to decide whether a fierce and vigorous 
attack should he initiated in order to flurry 
the Gedderite and so partly, at least, overcome 
his redoubted skill with the sword, or prolong 
the combat with a view to winding his adver- 
sary and slaying him when winded — for he is 
determined to make an example of him and 
by the Gedderite's death to so overawe the 
Band that no more mutineers will be forth- 
coming. He sees that the Gedderite appears 
to be in slightly too much flesh to sustain a 
prolonged combat well. He therefore decides 
to prolong the combat. Being a master of 
fence himself and of great swiftness of thrust, 
and with a wrist of steel, he has no fear of 
the superior strength of his adversary weigh- 
ing disadvantageously in the bout. A few 
moments have sufficed to solve the problem of 
the proper strategy to pursue in the premises. 
He thereupon says in even sterner tones than 
before — as the soldiers gather m a ring at a 
respectful distance from the two combatants). 

What is thy name — thou son of Belial! 

{The Gedderite starts ponderously at this insult 
and says in tones like ru,mbling thunder) : 

Gedor- the- Gedderite thou upstart youth. 

Gedor-the-Gedderite prepare for death. 

For I do now propose to combat thee 

Sword against sword with shield upon the arm. 

And show our valiant Band that mutiny 

Is not a flower grows within this Cave. 

Prepare for death thyself thou swaggerer! 

The match of Gedor at the sword lives not. 

(David hands his spear to Adino and the Ged- 
derite does the same with his to the soldier 
nearest him. Each then crouches under his 
shield and begins to circle about the other 
warily. David soon sees that the Gedderite 
is a redoubtable antagonist. His motions all 



20 SAUL AND DAVID 



bespeak skill and experience at duels-to-the- 
death. Suddenly the Gedderite makes a lunge 
at David's sivord-arm with the view to dis- 
abling it, and then rushing in to thrust him 
through. David swiftly parries the lunge and 
the combatants resume their circling move- 
ment. David sees an opening suddenly and 
with a thrust that resembles a flash of light- 
ning in its swiftness — a comparison which is 
heightened by the red glow cast on the bright 
steel by the fire — pierces the Gedderite's thigh 
where the latter has exposed it by inadvertent- 
ly raising his shield slightly. The Gedderite 
sinks slightly as David's sword plunges deeply 
into the flesh and before he can recover him- 
self, David has withdrawn his sword, and with 
a thrust that flashes in the flame of the fire- 
light, pierces the Gedderite's neck above his 
cuirass with such force that the sword stands 
out at the other side. With a cavernous groan 
the Gedderite falls dead, and an awed murmur 
of surprise, at the marvellous skill and judg- 
ment supported by almost superhuman swift- 
ness and accuracy of thrust upon the part of 
th&ir youthful — and now redoubted — Leader — 
runs through the assembled Band. David 
calmly wipes his weapon on the tunic of his 
late adversary and sheathing his sword says 
in calm tones to Adino) : 
David. Let him have decent burial at once. 
Adino. It shall be done my Chief — and God be praised 
We have a Chief like thee to rule our Band. 

(David bows smilingly to Adino and the other 
Officers who warmly congratulate him on his 
prowess and its outcome. ' The soldiers have 
by now recovered from their surprise at the 
shortness of — as well as the outcome of — the 
combat and following a common impulse of ad- 
miration for skill and courage shout with one 
voice) : 
The Band. Long live our chief ! Long live our future King ! 
End of Act I. 



SAUL AND DAVID 21 



ACT II. 

Scene I. 

Time: Noon. 

{One month later. The outskirts of the Wilderness of 
En-gedi. Saul has pitched his Camp, at the head of a Force 
of three thousand m£n, and selected his Headquarters under 
the only tree in the desolate landscape — a spreading cedar. 
The King is in full armour. He is seated on a rude Throne 
made of limbs cut from the cedar and piled one on top of 
the other. His right hand holds his spear. In front of him 
stand in a semi-circle his chief Captains, among whom is Ab- 
ner. Doeg the Edomite — Captain of his Body-Guard — stands 
at the King's left — he and the Captains are in full armour. 
A body of troops stojnds under arms at the left of the Throne 
and some paces removed therefrom. The Throne is to the 
left of the stage. At the back of the stage the frowning fast- 
nesses of En-gedi rise in view. The face of the King is far 
less care-worn and anxious than when last seen. There is no 
longer the haunted look caused by the presence of the Evil- 
Spirit from the Lord. In its place is a stern self-confidence — 
an implacable air of mastery. He slowly turns his penetrat- 
ing gaze from one to another of the group of Captains sur- 
rounding him. Finally he says in deep resonant tones) : 

Saul. Hear now ye Benjamites! Will the son of Jesse 

Give everyone of you fields and vineyards 
And make you all Captains of Thousands and 
of Hundreds? 'Tis clear that all of you have 
Conspired against me, and there is none that 
Showeth me that my son hath made a league 
With the son of Jesse, and there is none 
Of you that is sorry for me, or showeth 
Unto me that my son hath stirred up 
My servant against me to lie in wait 
As at this day— no! Not one sole one! Not one! 
{The Captains stir uneasily under the fierce and 
sombre glance of the dreaded King. After a 
pause Doeg steps out from the side of the 



22 SAUL. AND DAVID 

Throne, and, — after making obeisance — says in 
the deep gutter al tones peculiar to him) : 
Doeg. If it please the King, his servant will now speak. 

Saul. Say on blunt Doeg — thou art ever true. 

Doeg. I saw the son of Jesse come to Nob 

The City of the Priests, where all the Priests 

Of the Most High God do dwell. 

The son of Ahitulb — Ahimelech 

The great High Priest — whom now your Highness 

holds 
As Captive — Ahimelech the Priest was there. 
Now David was alone — and without arms — 
Nor sword nor javelin had he in his hands. 
Seeing he came alone, Ahimelech 
Was straightway seized with a mighty fear 
And said unto him: "Why art thou alone 
And no man with thee — tell me why alone?" 
And David said unto Ahimelech. 
"The King hath commanded me a business 
And hath said unto me : 'Let no man know 
Any thing of the business whereabout 
I send thee and what I have commanded thee. 
And I have appointed my servants to 
Such and such a place.' " Thus did David say. 
And David thereupon did straight resume. 
"Now therefore what is under thine hand ? Give me 
Five loaves of bread in mine hand or what there is 
Present." And the Priest answered David, and 

said, 
"There is no common bread under mine hand 
But there is hallowed bread." And David an- 
swered 
The Priest and said unto him, "The bread is 
In a manner common, yea, though it were 
Sanctified this day in the vessel." So 
The Priest gave him hallowed bread : for there was 
No bread there but the shewbread that was taken 
From before the Lord, to put hot bread in the day 
When it was taken away. And David said 
Unto Ahimelech, "And is there not 
Here under thine hand spear or sword? For I 



SAUL. AND DAVID 23 

Have neither brought my sword nor my weapons 
With me because the King's business required 

haste." 
And the P'riest said : "The sword of Goliath 
The Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley 
Of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in 
A cloth behind the Ephod: if thou will 
Take it : for there is no other save that here." 
And David said: "There is none like that; give it 

to me." 
And he, Ahimelech, enquired of the Lord 
For him, and gave him victuals, and gave him 
The sword of Groliath the Philistine. 
And David arose and fled. Thus much I know. 
Thus much, O King ! thy servant tells to thee. 
Saul. Well said stout Doeg! Thou art a servitor 

In whom thy King may ever put his trust. 
Now bring me forth this son of Ahitub 
This Priest most treacherous who sows the seed 
Of discord and rebellion in our land. 

(Abner leaves the group of Officers and presently 
returns with Ahimelech. Ahimelech is a man 
of tall and commanding presence. His beard- 
ed face is marked by a look as lofty and dis- 
dainful as though Saul were merely an ordi- 
nary man instead of being the dreaded King 
of Israel. Ahimelech is clad in the garments 
of a High Priest. Saul regards him for some 
moments in stern and awful silence. Ahimelech 
quails not beneath the terrible glance of the 
King. After this ordeal Saul breathes heavily 
in suppressed but slowly rising anger and says 
in deep tones) : 
Saul. Hear now, thou son of Ahitub — give ear. 

Ahimelech. Here I am my Lord. I pray of thee, say on. 
Saul. Eumour did say the son of Jesse'd been 

Unto thy City Nob, so I forthwith 
Out of suspicion straight arrested thee — 
Sent and arrested thee without delay — 
And kept thee prisoner until to-day. 



24 SAUL AND DAVID 

When — having nothing else upon my hands 
I now propose to settle th'account with thee. 
Why have ye conspired against me, thou 
And the son of Jesse, in that thou hast 
Given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired 
Of God for him, that he should rise against me, 
To lie in wait, as at this day? Noio speak/ 
Ahimelech. (In a calm and lofty tone) And who is so faith- 
ful among all thy servants 
As David, which is the King's son-in-law 
And goeth at thy bidding, and is hon'rable 
In thine house? Did I then begin to enquire 
Of God for him? Be it far from me: let not 
The King impute anything unto his servant 
Nor to all the house of my Father: for 
Thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. 
(Saul who has listened to the reply of Ahimelech 
with an expression of contemptuous incredulity 
and disdain, now says in tones deadly in their 
implacable menace and threat of imminent and 
instant death) : 
Saul. Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, 

And all thy Father's house. 

(Ahimelech hears his doom with the same lofty 
calm* which has distinguished his bearing 
throughout this awful interview — after a pause 
Saul says in savage tones to the body of 
startled Officers about him) : 
Turn, and slay the Priest of the Lord; because 
His hand also is with David, and because 
He knew when he fled, and did not show it to me. 
(But the Officers of the King would not put 
forth their hand to fall upon the Priest of the 
Lord. And the King said to Doeg) : 
Turn thou and fall upon the Priest. 

(And Doeg the Edomite turned, and fell upon 
the Priest and slew him). 
Saul. Eemove the corpse and give it burial — 

And so die all who scheme against the King! 
(Abner — pale and aghast at this fearful act of 
sacrilege with difficulty sufficiently collects his 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



25 



Abner. 

Saul. 
Abner. 

Saul. 

Abner. 



Saul. 



mental forces to be able to motion to four Sol- 
diers from amongst the Body of Troops pres- 
ent to remove the corpse of Ahimelech. Saul 
glances hastily at the pool of blood which has 
flowed from the 'wound in Ahimelech's heart 
upon receiving the sword-thrust of Doeg and 
says in husky tones to Abner) : 
Blot out straightway the blood of the false Priest. 
( Whereupon Abner stoops and gathering two 
handfuls of sand from the desert soil at his 
feet, hastily casts it upon the sinister pool in 
front of the King — seeing that that is not suf- 
ficient to obliterate the ominous stain he mo- 
tions to two /Soldiers who hastily throw sand 
upon the blood until it has literally been blot- 
ted out. Saul thereupon sighs deeply and 
glancing about him scowls upon the white 
scared faces of his Officers for a few moments 
and then growls out in tones so deep as to re- 
semble the murmurs of a lion, so to speak) : 
What o'th' son of Jesse do the scouts report — 
Where 'midst these rocks of the wild goats lurks 

he? 
If 't please the King his hiding place' not found. 
He and his Band do move from place to place. 
How many men hath he within his Band? 
A body of four hundred men I'm told. 
Do call him Leader — an it please the King. 
Whence got he this same Band — hast thou heard 

that? 
The refuse of the Refuge Cities, King, 
Hath Adino the Tachmonite enrolled 
Armed and equipped at's own expense and led 
Hither to David on adventurous quest. 
Ha! Say'st thou so ! His Father well I knew 
A man of mighty substance in the land — 
He'd turn in's grave with rage did he but know 
The pass to which his hopeful son hath come. 
Supporter and co- outlaw of a man 
Whom — past all doubt — I purpose presently 
To catch and hang upon the nearest tree — 



26 SAUL. AND DAVID 

Him and his crew of Cut-Throats one by one! 
We'll purge our Kingdom of this hornet's nest 
Of broken-men and outlaws — and eftsoons! 
How doth he live within this Wilderness? 
The conies 'mongst these rocks scarce find their 
food. 
Abner. An't please the King he hath a system shrewd. 
He lays in tribute all the country round 
And levies on them blackmail regular — 
A tax in money or a tax in kind 
Which he distributes 'mongst his Freebooters 
And then returns for this — as intercharge — 
Protection for their flocks and for their herds — 
Protection from robbers or from mountain beasts. 
The tax he levies is not overlight 
But at the same time well within the means 
Of those the people whom he levies on. 
Saul. Ha ! A Kingdom he's set up within mine own ! 

Tis like his rashness and audacity. 
Well ! That Kingdom I'll lay low and presently. 
Meantime we waste our time in idling here 
Up! Men of Benjamin and seize the spoil! 

{With that a shout bursts from the lips of Saul's 
eager Troops, and the King rising majestically 
from? his rude Throne waves his spear as a sig- 
nal to advance, and the ^Column sets itself in 
motion towards the fastnesses of En-gedi. 
Hardly has the dust of the marching column 
settled before Phaltiel at the head of a strong 
body of Troops appears. By his side is the 
beautiful form of the Princess Michal seated 
upon a small %ohite mule of great symmetry, 
docility, and evident speed. The Princess is 
clothed in a gown of the deepest red. She has 
a circlet of gold about her brows which holds 
in place her raven-black tresses which fall 
upon her shoulders in glossy strands. Phal- 
tiel and his Band are in full armour. The 
beautiful face of the Princess is sombre and 
distraite. She holds the golden bridle of her 
mule in a delicate but listless hand. The 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



27 



Troop halts on reaching the spot. Phaltiel — 
a powerful and handsome young man, in full 
armour, hut of a rather uninteresting counte- 
nance — regards the rude Throne and says) : 
Phaltiel. Here sat the King — and but a moment past. 

(The Princess regards the Throne listlessly and 
says with a weary sigh) : 
Michal. I am full weary of this fruitless quest. 

We've tracked the King two days and found him 
not. 
Phaltiel. My treasure! I did warn thee ere we left 

That what you asked was a full risky thing. 
To follow with me when I followed Saul — 
That King of men who knoweth not fatigue — 
Who tracks his purpose as he tracks the game. 
Michal. I did grow weary in the Palace there 

Where every day's alike — each after each. 
I grew aweary — so I asked thee 
To bring me with you when you sought the King. 
Phaltiel. I must observe — my lily of the field 

That thy most strange request quite puzzled me. 
Michal. (With a sarcastic smile) And think'st thou, Phal- 
tiel that that's a task — 
To puzzle thee is a thing difficult? 
I fancy not, good Phalti, fancy — not. 
Phaltiel. Since I can not the riddle solve, my spouse — 
Michal. (Starting angrily and sitting upright on her do- 
cile steed) : 
Call me not that! For I'm but spouse in name 
Not so much as a kiss Pve let thee have 
Not so much as a kiss have let thee take — 
Or brave the point of this my dagger here. 

(Touching rapidly the hilt of a golden-hilted 
dagger thrust into her girdle at her right 
hand) . 
Since Saul divorced me from David dear. 
Phaltiel. (Starting angrily) Call him not that — that I'll not 

tolerate ! 
Michal. (Sneeringly) And prithee, what would'st do if I 
refuse ? 



28 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



Phaltiel. {Hesitating and perplexed) That I'll not tolerate — 

I tell thee plain. 
Michal. You "tell" me plain and yet you speak not plain. 
Thou hast not answered my question sir! 

(Phaltiel turns uneasily on his feet and is silent. 
After a pause) — 
Phaltiel. (Attempting to smile) I am not good at puzzles 
my sweet girl. 
Now that word "puzzle" straight remindeth me 
That the great puzzle of thy presence here — 
Thou a fair Princess amongst armed men 
Upon a quest within a Desert dread — 
En-gedi, fearful Wilderness in sooth — 
Where I do bring my Band to join with Saul 
And hunt down David in these Fastnesses — 
That the great puzzle of thy presence here 
Thou never yet hast deigned to throw light on 
Beyond what thou'st just said — to change the air 
O'th' Palace which began to weary thee. 
Michal. (Smiling sarcastically) Now that we're here I may 
that riddle solve. 
I came thou dolt to be my David near. 

(Phaltiel starts savagely and drops his hand on 

his sword-hilt. He then glares angrily at the 

Prin«ess and says in tones thick with passion) : 

Phaltiel. Thou shameless thing dar'st thou say that to me! 

Michal. (Smiling serenely) I dare say anything to anyone 

It suits my Royal will to that one say ! 

(Phaltiel stamps his right foot in impotent wrath 
and says huskily) : 
I would to God that I had David here 
To cut his heart out and then hand to thee! 
Michal. (Smiling serenely) That could'st thou never do my 
doughty friend. 
That could'st thou not do in a million years! 
For David could cut thee in ribbons red — 
Ribbons of flesh — all dripping with thy blood 
And do it in a trice — and every time. 
Phaltiel. {Sneering) I am surprised to hear such words from 
thee — 
From thee a Princess of the House of Saul. 



SAUL AND DAVID 29 

Michal. And that is why you hear them — thou great dolt. 
Because I am a daughter of fierce Saul — 
Of Saul the fiercest King e'er sat a Throne — 
That is just why you hear them — Phalti bold ! 

(Phaltiel stirs uneasily and twists about). 
I miss my David as I'd miss the air — 
The air within my nostrils Phalti bold — 
He is my lord, my love, my Princely spouse — 
The Pride of Israel — their Champion! 
Their Champion upon that awful day 
When th'armies of the Lord were set at nought 
Spit on and laughed at by the Philistines! 
When day by day the great Goliath came 
Into that valley dread between the Hosts 
And spurned our God and spurned our Mighty 

Men— 
The warlike men of Israel — our Host — 
And challenged them to send him forth a man 
To cope with him between the serried Hosts. 
And day by day a silence dread did fall 
Upon those Hosts after the Giant spoke. 
For not one man within our warlike ranks — 
No ! Not King Saul my dreaded Father e'en 
Did dare the Giant meet in combat dread. 
Until there came a boy — a beardless youth — 
A shepherd with his scrip, and staff and sling — 
The arms he used to brave defend his flock 
From fierce marauding lion and from bear. 
Until there came a boy inspired by God 
To stop the insults of the Philistine — 
To stop the mouth of Goliath the vast — 
With one small pebble from his shepherd's sling! 
The Lord inspired him — though he knew not 
The Lord would speed the pebble from his sling 
Straight to the forehead of the Giant fell — 
Whose dreadful height — six cubits and a span 
Like a strong tower towered o'er the plain ! 
The greaves of brass upon his mighty limbs 
Blazed Wee a fire fierce in the morning sun! 
And like a furnace glowed his target large. 
With his great arm he waved his fearful spear 



30 SAUL. AND DAVID 



The staff of which was like a weaver's beam 
For forty days he came and spurned the Lord 
Morning and evening did his mighty shout 
Strike terror to the hearts of Israel. 
"Why do ye come to fight with Philistine 
Why do ye set your battle in array? 
If ye seek Philistine am I not one 
And are ye not the soldiers all of Saul? 
Choose you a man and let him come to me 
And let him fight with me before you all — 
All in this Vale of Elah let us fight— 
I for the Philistines and he for Saul. 
If he be able for to fight with me 
If he be able e'en to clean kill me 
Then all Philistia shall serve King Saul. 
But if against him I do straight prevail 
And if I e'en do kill him then shall ye 
Be servants to us — and shall e'en serve us. 
I defy the armies of Israel this day 
Give me a man, that we may fight together !" 
For forty days this challenge loudly rang 
Without an answer from the Hosts of God. 
When David coming on an errand small 
From Jesse his Father to his brothers there — 
Bringing, ten loaves and ephah of parched corn- 
Who were within the Host and fought with them- 
And cheeses ten unto their Captain stern 
The Captain of their Thousand in the Host — 
And David spake to those who stood by him 
Saying "What shall be done to him who kills 
This Philistine and th' reproach doth take away 
From Israel?" and they replied, "The King 
With mighty riches will him straight enrich 
And give to him his daughter for a wife 
And free his Father's house in Israel." 
And then said David — mounting in his wrath — 
And filled with the fury of the Lord — 
"This Philistine uncircumcised ! Who's he 
To defy the armies of the living God! 
And Eliab his eldest brother heard 
When he spake unto the men and Eliab's 



SAUL AND DAVID 31 

Anger was kindled against David, and he said, 
"Why earnest thou down hither? And with whom 
Hast thou left those few sheep in the Wilderness? 
I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine 

heart 
For thou art come down that thou mightest see 
The battle." And David said : "What have I done? 
Is there not a cause?" 

And David's words did come unto King Saul 
And Saul did send for him in wonder swift. 
Then David said unto the dreaded King, 
"Let no man's heart fail him because of him 
For thy servant will fight with this Philistine." 
And then King Saul to David straight did say — 
"Thou canst not fight against this Philistine 
Thou art not able to combat with him 
For thou art but a youth and he a man of war. 
A man of war— yea — from his very youth!" 
Then answered David unto Saul the King. 
"Thy servant kept his Father's sheep one day 
And there came a lion and there came a bear 
And each did take a lamb from out the flock. 
And I went out after them — after these two — 
The lion first I followed in my chase — 
And when I did draw near he rose 'gainst me 
And I then straightway caught him by his beard 
And with my shepherd's knife I did him smite 
And slew him straightway then — and with one 

blow. 
I then did turn and swift pursued the bear. 
And when he rose did strike him to the heart 
With my sharp shepherd's knife— and left him 

dead. 
Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear 
And this uncircumcised Philistine 
Shall be as one of them, seeing he hath 
Defied the armies of the living God. 
The Lord that delivered me out of the 
Paw of the lion and out of the paw 
Of the bear, He will deliver me out 
Of the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said 
Unto David, "Go, and the Lord be with thee." 



32 SAUL AND DAVID 



And with his armour Saul did David arm. 
He put a helmet of brass upon his head 
Also he armed him with a coat of mail 
And David girt his swbrd upon his armour 
And he essayed to go — but had not proved it 
And David said to Saul: "I cannot go 
With these for I have not proved them." 
And David did then straightway put them off. 
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him 
Five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them 
In a shepherd's bag which he had, e'en in 
A scrip ; and his sling was in his hand : and 
He drew near to the Philistine. And the 
Philistine came on and drew near unto 
David ; and the man that bare the shield went 
Before him. And when the Philistine looked 
About, and saw David, he disdained him 
For he was but a youth, and ruddy, and 
Of a fair countenance. And the Philistine 
Said unto David: "Am I a dog, that thou 
Comest to me with staves?" And the Philistine 
Cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine 
Said to David : "Come to me and I will give 
Thy flesh unto the fowls of the air and to 
The beasts of the field." Then said David to 
The Philistine, "Thou comest to me with 
A sword, and with a spear, and with a shield : 
But I come to thee in the name of the 
Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of 
Israel whom thou hast defied. This day 
Will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand. 
And I will smite thee and take thine head from 

thee. 
And I will give the carcasses of the 
Host of the Philistines this day unto 
The fowls of the air and to the wild beasts 
Of the earth; that all the earth may know that 

there 
Is a God in Israel. And all this 
Assembly shall know that the Lord saveth 
Not with sword and spear: for the battle is 



SAUL AND DAVID 33 

The Lord's, and He will give you into our hands :" 
And it came to pass when the Philistine 
Arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David 
That David hasted, and ran toward the army 
To meet the Philistine. And David put 
His hand in his bag, and took thence a stone 
And slang it, and smote the Philistine in 
His forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead. 
And he fell upon his face to the earth. 
So David prevailed over the Philistine 
With a sling and with a stone, and smote the 
Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword 
In the hand of David. Therefore David ran 
And stood upon the Philistine, and took 
His sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof 
And slew him, and cut off his head therewith. 
And when the Philistines saw their champion 
Was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel 
And of Judah, arose, and shouted, and 
Pursued the Philistines, until thou come 
To the Valley, and to the gates of Ekron. 
And this is why my David I do love 
Above all men who move upon the earth. 
I love and reverence the sand he treads 
Here in this awful frowning, Wilderness. 
And this is why I got thee to bring me 
Unto this Desert where my David is 
In the fond hope that he may rescue me 
From thee and take me in his arms once more ! 
{Hardly have these words left her impassioned, 
lips when the white mule pricks its ears and 
sniffs the air. The Princess notes the action of 
mule's ears and nostrils and patting its glossy 
and well-groomed neck, says in low soft cares- 
sing tones) : 
What seest thou, my "Mithra," or what smel'st 
That thou thy cunning ears dost knowing prick — 
That thy keen nostrils sniff the Desert air? 

(Hardly have these words left her mistress'' lips 
when the white mule nickers. At this the 
Princess turns deadly pale and hastily drops 



34 SAUL AND DAVID 

her hand to her poniard knowing that the 
mule would only act thus upon the approach 
of some one whom it knew; and the Princess 
knowing that in this desolate place no one 
whom the mule knew could possibly be found 
but David, instantly concludes that David is 
lurking behind the rocks with his Band and 
awaiting an opportune moment to spring forth 
and rescue her. Knowing that a terrific battle 
would at once ensue, and guessing that David 
lurked nearby in hopes that the mule would 
smell him and nicker, and that the Princess 
would thereby divine that he was waiting there 
for her to come forward, so that she should be 
out of harm's way when the fighting began, 
the quick wit of the Princess at once prepares 
to second David's divined manoeuvre. So she 
gently urges her mule forward, saying in a 
caressing tone to Phaltiel) : 
My Phaltiel forgive thy wayward spouse. 
If I've been harsh forgive me Phaltiel 
And I shall not offend thee e'er again. 

(Phaltiel — as she opined — is almost struck dumb 
with astonishment at such language from the 
icy Princess — and is about to stagger forward 
and take her into his arms for the first time in 
his mortal life, when the Princess smiling 
sweetly says in cooing tones, raising a lovely 
hand as she does so) : 
Not yet my Phaltiel wait till to-night — 
Wait till our camp is pitched — wait till that time. 
{The amorous Phaltiel almost beside him,self at 
the prospect of the Gates of Paradise being 
ahout to open for him at nightfall, steps aside 
as the Princess says in the same entrancing 
tones) : 
"Mithra" hath need to walk at th' Column's head 
His dainty nose liketh this desert air. 
So let me ride some paces in advance — 
Come not you forward till I say the word. 



SAUL AND DAVID 35 

{Thereupon the Princess urges her docile ani- 
mal forward. Slowly she puts space betwixt 
herself and the enamoured Phaltiel. Before 
she has gone four yards she hears a hiss. She 
knows that that is a form of call David used 
to use on occasion. Instantly she is on the 
alert to catch the low whispered words from 
David meant solely for her attentive ear, she 
anticipates. She is not disappointed. In- 
stantly she hears David's soft musical voice 
whisper softly) : 
David. My love, urge "Mithra" on but four yards more 
Then thoul't be safe and we shall charge on them. 
(The Princess swiftly strikes the animal with 
her heel — she being seated in a side-saddle — 
and the mule instantly strikes a swift ambling 
gait which in a twinkling covers the required 
distance. No sooner has she accomplished this 
first act in the ensuing drama, than the air is 
rent vjith a terrific shout, and four hundred 
ferocious faces seem to spring out of the very 
ground followed by as many powerful fully 
armed bodies. Phaltiel is dazed by surprise 
but being a soldier — as well as a brave one — 
swiftly recovers his self-possession, and draw- 
ing his sword shouts lustily to his followers 
to stand on their defence. They — as amazed 
as their leader — swiftly recover and draw. 
Thereupon David stalks forth followed by his 
five Captains who in turn are followed by their 
men. When within some ten feet of Phaltiel, 
David halts and bowing in mock humility says 
in humble tones) : 
I humbly crave thy pardon Phaltiel 
For so abruptly coming upon thee. 
■ But exigencies of a Civil War 

Sweep all decorum to the four Great Winds — 
East, West, and North and South decorum flies 
Nor is a remnant of her presence left. 
Pressing necessity to see my wife 
From whom I've been estranged for one full moon 



36 SAUL AND DAVID 



Suggested that I call on her — and you. 

Now Phaltiel, my friend, a word with thee. 
Thou canst not fill my shoes by any chance — 
Thou dost not find thyself within my class. 
I am a peg above thee — at the least — 
At computation e'en most moderate. 
Such being so my charming wife did pine 
In finding her sweet self estranged from me 
With thee, good Phaltiel, as substitute. 
This I do know tho' she hath told me not — 
She's scarcely had the time, stout Phaltiel — 
But she did tell the air — and I was there. 

{Pointing with his right thumb to a mass of 
frowning rocks behind which he and his re- 
doubtable Band had lain concealed). 
Believe me Phaltiel had she then said 
She loved her Phaltiel above all men 
And was most glad of heart that I was gone 
I never would have done what I've just done. 
Never, my Phaltiel — on my pledged word — 
But would have let thy caravan pass by 
To form a junction with the Royal Saul. 
But she expressed regret at Saul's grim act 
And I did gather from her winsome words 
That she did long to feel my loving arms 
Encircle her as they have done before — 
{Smiling sweetly) And — I make bold to hope — 

will do again — 
{Bowing) Always with thy permission Phaltiel. 
Now my good Phaltiel I do so long 
To take my precious Michal in my arms 
And press her to my breast as in times past 
And kiss her luscious lips as in times gone. 

(Phaltiel winces and moves uneasily as this en- 
trancing catalogue of David's proposed acts is 
slowly dangled before his sullen gaze, especial- 
ly as he hears suppressed snickers and scarce- 
ly suppressed laughter in his own ranks, and 
sees unmistakable broad grins upon the sav- 
age countenances opposite him). 
That I must ask that you and yours pass on. 



SAUL AND DAVID 



37 



Phaltiel. Pass on! Thou ruffian rude and malapert 
Thou outlaw vile and bushwacker accurst 
Thou nameless broken man without a home! 
I'll not pass on till I have passed my sword 
Athwart thy weasand — much too full of wind — 
(A silvery laugh here interrupts this polite dia- 
logue, and the voice of Michal is heard — she 
can no longer be seen as the faithful "Mithra" 
has carried her behind a huge boulder out of 
sight and harm's way). 
Michal. Well said, good Phaltiel, well said indeed! 
I did not think that thou hadst so much wit. 
But have a care good Phalti! Have a care. 
The wind in David's weasand blows no good. 
It is, bold Phalti, an ill wind for thee. 
So pray pass on and do not raise that wind. 
Phaltiel. Thou brazen hussy and thou faithless wife 
How darest thou to ope thy shameless lips? 
Michal. {Again sending forth a peal of silvery laughter) — 
I faithless wife! Thou know'st thou dost me wrong. 
But that I'm not a faithless wife Phalti — 
Faithless to David my beloved liege lord — 
Is sure no fault of thine bold Phaltiel ! 
How many nights hast thou besieged my door 
Craving admittance when I'd gone to bed — 
How many nights didst thou most mournful plead 
That I'd take pity and would let thee in. 

(A roar of laughter from David's Cut-Throats is 
followed by an uncontrollable wave of mirth 
from the ranks behind Phaltiel. Even David 
and his haughty Officers can scarce conceal a 
smile). 
Call me not faithless, Phaltiel, I pray 
For if our walls could speak they'd answer 'Way." 
Phaltiel. Peace hussy! Close thy lips — thy shameless 
mouth — 
Those lips which did beguile me to let thee 
Come hither with me to this Hell of rocks! 
Michal. That thou dost not love rocks I'd fain believe — 
I'd fain believe good Phalti, by my troth. 



SAUL AND DAVID 



For were it not for these most blessed rocks — 
I fain would kiss them all — and sundry now 
But that my lips will presently have work 
That's sweeter, softer, pleasanter by far 
Than kissing rocks — kissing my David's lips — 
For were it not for these most blessed rocks 
Where would my David have found harbourage 
For him and his tried followers so true — 

(The fiery passions of David's Freebooters have 
been worked almost to the boiling point by the 
alluring language of the lovely and vivacious 
Princess, and to find a decent outlet for the 
said tumultuous flood the four hundred Dare- 
Devils shout as one man) : 
The Band. Long live our lovely Princess — our Chief's spouse ! 
Long live the Princess Michal ! Long live she 
And death to all who'd mar their happiness! 
Michal. I thank thee, soldiers, for thy brave" applause — 
The daughter of King Saul tends thanks to thee. 
Be true and valiant in thy worthy cause 
And I do promise ye felicity. 
Stand by my David in the hour of need. 
Obey his least command like soldiers true. 
Divide the plunder without hint of greed 
And spare the conquered when the fight is through. 
I love my Father and I love my spouse 
A fate most sinister did part the twain 
And was the cause of most blood-curdling rows 
In which all hope of peace was frankly vain. 
So I've determined to cast my lot — 
I a lone woman 'mongst you rugged men — 
By ye let my chaste sex be not forgot 
Nor ever make me wish for home again. 
Jehovah is the God over us all 
Put ye your trust in Him and ye'U not fall ! 

(Had Pandemonium broken loose — had the ter- 
rific yells and explosive noises popularly sup- 
posed to emanate from the general temple of 
the Evil Spirits — u the capital of Satan and 
his peers" — Pandemonium herself would have 
been put to it, to keep pace with the tempest 



SAUL AND DAVID 39 

of ear-splitting yells and cheers of riotous ap- 
proval, shooting from the bearded lips of 
David's desperate Followers. Even the Cap- 
tains of this sinister Host accustomed as they 
were to sights and sounds natural to such an 
Omnium Gatherum of lost souls — even these fu- 
ture Mighty Men of David are appalled at the 
outburst, and involuntarily drop their hands 
to their sword-hilts in anticipation of some 
desperate act on a colossal scale. David him- 
self turns pale, and drops his ready hand to 
his sword, instantly withdrawing it, however, 
and shouting in clarion tones, which ride the 
waves of sound as a stormy petrel rides those 
of the mighty deep, cries) : 
David. The Princess' thanks I hereby now return — 
My Merry-Men — for this thy homage true. 
It glads mine heart to hear thy passions burn — 
We'll need their fire ere this dread game is 

through ! 
I'm proud to have my Princess be thy Queen — 
No Queen did ever have a braver Guard — 
And none a truer Guard — I truly ween 
To live and quiet sleep under its ward. 
As future King my court I now set up — 
Throned on these rocks of adamantine base — 
Which Saul himself hath not the force t' break up ! 
Here shall I reign for yet a little space. 
Thereafter shall I be the Heir of Saul — 
Tho' to his tongue that taste e'en worse than gall. 
Good Phaltiel the time draws on apace 
And I must urge once more that thou depart. 
I have a plan which yet may save thy face 
And bolster up thy sorely bruised heart. 
'Twould never do for you to face dread Saul 
Lacking the escort of sweet Michal here 
His look would port the bitterness of gall 
His eye the Basilisk's would have for peer! 
So I must wound thee ere thou dost return — 
Wound genuine and tantrabogus not. 
Thy flesh my sword shall surely truly burn 



40 



SAUL AND DAVID 



And for some sev'ral months be not forgot. 
But I'll not kill thee — rest of that assured 
And by it love for Michal shall be cured. 
I now propose a combat a Voutrance — 
That is for thee — since you aim me to kill — 
But as for me 'twill be a merry dance 
Which bodeth much of fun and nought of ill. 
Your faithful men I'd have go safe and sound. 
They all are Israelites — we're of one blood — 
So let thy troops — spectators stand around — 
And watch us each display his stout manhood. 
My men outnumber thine e'en four to one 
Let force superior be thine excuse. 
This will excuse to Saul thy coming on 
'Thout combat, Michal and 'thout all abuse. 
So draw thee Phaltiel — lug out I say! 
Thou spoiler of my joy thou stand'' st at bay! 
Phaltiel. {His face lighting up with the joy of combat) — 
I take thine offer and with joy lay on! 
If I do fall, my men, go tell the King 
The outcome of this thing which ye have seen. 
( Whereupon David armed with sword and shield 
warily begins to circle about Phaltiel, who is 
armed likewise. Before a blow is struck the 
voice of the Princess Michal is heard crying m 
earnest tones denoting passionate interest in 
the approaching conflict — bravely concealed 
under a mash of affected coldness and light- 
ness). 
Michal. My lord permit that I and "Mithra" here 
Witness the combat of ye fencers skilled. 
Think not my lord that I'll feel slightest fear 
With confidence in thee my breast is filled. 
Permit that I and "Mithra" view the fray — 
His warlike soul for battle e'er doth yearn — 
And when you win I'm sure a mighty bray 
Will witness to his joy and his concern. 
I am a warrior's bride, so let me be 
A witness here with "Mithra" of this fight. 
I promise you my lord that I and he 
Will on thy victory prove our delight. 



SAUL AND DAVID 41 

So let my swift white mule and me stand by 
T 'applaud our Master's coming victory! 

(Hilarious applause upon the part of David's 
Freebooters greets this sally upon the part of 
the Princess. David smilingly motions to 
Adino the Tachmonite to escort the Princess 
and her war-horse to the scene of combat. The 
Freebooters with broad grins decorating their 
fierce countenances open their bristling ranks 
to afford passage for the lovely young woman, 
gracefully swaying slightly to the gentle mo- 
tions of her charger. Adino brings the animal 
to a halt in the midst of the group of David's 
Officers, where it quietly comes to a stand; and 
solemnly points its long well-groomed and 
glossy ears at the spot where stand David and 
his furious adversary. The Princess assumes 
an easy pose in the saddle, and clasping her 
beautiful hands in her lap, allows the golden 
bridle to fall upon the mule's soft neck. Her 
face is perfectly calm but from the stormy 
way in which her full and beautiful bosom 
rises and falls one can see, that nothing but the 
most iron self-control maintains the light — 
even almost jocular calm which has enabled 
J%er to carry off so handsomely her recent sally. 

vdino then takes his post with drawn sword 
a bid shield on arm at David's right hand, and 

%out half way between him and his opponent. 
aharai — the highest officer in the Troop of 
^haltiel — does the same on the opposite side 
3or his Chief. When each second has ascer- 
tained that his Principal is ready Adino with 
a nod of the head to his vis-a-vis indicates 
that he is to have the honour of giving the 
signal for the combat, which he immediately 
does by a wave of his drawn sword. As each 
combatant circles slowly around his adversary 
it is clear to see from Phaltiel's supple and 
experienced motions that however dull a bride- 
groom he might make he is no mean swords- 




42 SAUL AND DA VID 

man. He refrains from, giving David the 
slightest opening — either by carelessly lifting 
his shield too high, or too rrmch to one side. 
He is evidently deeply and deadly enraged — 
and fully aware thereof. He therefore evi- 
dently distrusts his own fierce impulses, which 
incline to hurry him into the fray premature- 
ly and at all costs. David sees that over-con- 
fidence in himself at the art of fence is not one 
of Phaltiel's salient faults — to put it rather 
mildly. At the same time it is as easy to see 
that he has a complete and perfect mastery of 
his weapon. David soon sees that unless the 
combat is to be prolonged to the hours of 
darkness, that he must do all the leading, and 
assume all the risks of any nature whatsoever. 
He therefore secretly prepares himself for 
making a lightning-like lunge at Phaltiel, 
which at the same time would be supported by 
such complete covering of his person by his 
shield as well as by his sword, supported more- 
over by so lightning-like a get-away — so to 
speak — a bound — like lightning to one side — 
so soon as his thrust shall have been delivered 
— that he will run a minimum of risk. Sud- 
denly he throws himself into th e lunge — which 
is directed at Phaltiel's face f eer nq out cau- 
tiously above, the bright br\^ v | 'm of his 
shield. Swiftly Phaltiel rail^ ai \ shield to 
parry the thrust but at th\~' • instant 

David lowers his point, and « ?e& altiel's 
leg a few inches above the kh —which spot 
has been for an instant uncovered by his 
shield — when Phaltiel has raised the same to 
ward off the supposed bona fide thrust upon 
the part of David for Phaltiel's face. In- 
stantly Phaltiel staggers back, and would have 
fallen had not his second darted forward and 
caught him in his brawny arms. Instantly a 
ferocious yell of exultant joy bursts from the 
bearded lips of David's Freebooters, which is 



SAUL AND DAVID 43 

followed by a hoarse shout of defiance from 
the hardy Footsoldiers of Saul under the com- 
mand of Maharai. Both sides draw their 
swords, and wave them in the air — while 
frightful imprecations are exchanged by the 
hostile bodies of men. Promptly, however, 
their Officers — with drawn swords — and a few 
stern words of command — restore order and 
strict discipline. This ends, of course, the 
combat. The Princess' face has shown a shad- 
ow of concern when David lunged and when 
Phaltiel fell into his second's arms. But in- 
stantly discovering the innocent nature of the 
wound — to the hardy men of those remote 
times — to whom any wound which did not 
break a large bone or enter the chest, throat, or 
abdomen, was considered in the light of a triv- 
ial flesh-wound — not as in our more effeminate 
times — the Princess does not bestow a second 
thought upon him, but turns her beaming 
countenance towards her husband. David — to 
her surprise — places the finger of his right 
hand — his sword having been instantly dried 
in the sand and sheathed — to his lips in token 
of silence. Her woman's intuitive tact tells 
her that her magnanimous lord does not care 
to further wound the already lacerated feel- 
ings of Phaltiel — now that Phaltiel has re- 
ceived the wound in the flesh necessary to af- 
ford him safe-conduct to the presence of the 
dreaded King of Israel. The Princess there- 
fore lets her passionate and triumphant glance 
into the eyes of David, speak for her — in place 
of her full, delicately chiselled, and proudly 
beautiful lips. Without a word spoken David 
m.-otions to his men to open passage for the 
Troop of Phaltiel which with their Leader in 
their midst — on a stretcher of spears — cov- 
ered with military mantles — in a wide deep 
column — moves slowly — but with undaunted 
front — towards the fastnesses of En-gedi — the 



44 SAUL. AND DAVID 

direction but lately taken by the dreaded King. 
So soon as the footfall of the serried Column 
has ceased to vibrate on the ear, David holds 
up his right hand in token of absolute silence. 
Whereupon the low murmurs of conversation 
which have pervaded the ranks, instantly 
cease. He then assumes an easy but upright 
attitude, while his beautiful countenance takes 
on a look of almost religious awe and venera- 
tion, for a fraction of a minute. At the end of 
which period his face assumes its usual stern 
calm — usual, that is to say, when in command 
of the Turbulent /Spirits which willingly ac- 
knowledge him Chief. Be then says in a voice 
unlike his usual tones — in that it is far Trior e 
colourless — far more unearthly — far more ex- 
alted and ethereal, than his usual rich and res- 
onant tones) : 
David. Eleazar with the main force of my men 

Will slowly march — but two miles to the hour — 
And halt five miles this side the hill of Hachilah 
Which is before Jeshimon, by the way. 
My Body-Guard — my fifty chosen men — 
Under Adino shall remain by me 
But march thee hundred yards toth' rear and halt. 
Pitch ye the camp five miles from Hachilah 
Long before nightfall ye I'll overtake. Farewell. 
{Thereupon the two bodies of troops separate 
and slowly move off the sta,ge in opposite di- 
rections. So soon as the last footfall of the 
marching men has died away David's whole 
face changes as markedly as does a sky which 
has been shadowed by clouds which suddenly 
give place to the glorious rays of the morn- 
ing sun. With a smothered exclamation of 
passionate joy and affection, he leaps like a 
boy tovjards the Princess and clasps her — as 
she leans from the saddle — in his powerful and 
loving arms. Their lips meet in a long and 
impassioned kiss. At the end of a few mo- 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



45 



ments David releases the Princess and stepping 
back a pace gazes at her long and passionate- 
ly — drinking in her glorious dark beauty with 
the thirsty eyes of a man who has been sepa- 
rated — he feared forever — from his love. Pres- 
ently he says in boyish tones of utter happi- 
ness, exultation and affectionate pride in the 
possession of such a prize among women) : 
My soul's desire! Have I thee once again! 
Here in my arms to love, to have, to hold ! 
Michal. Thou hast my darling and my Princely spouse 
To love, to have, to hold forever more! 
My darling — if you knew the dreadful time 
That I have had with that dolt Phaltiel — 

(David here bursts into convulsions of laughter — 
he loses completely the use and control of his 
voice and laughs until the tears literally stream 
from his eyes. The stately Princess — with 
whom the sense of humour is not brought to 
the keen acuteness which it possesses in David's 
make-up, raises her dark and delicately pen- 
cilled brows in something approaching amaze- 
ment tempered by a shadow of disapproval, at 
this outburst upon the part of her lover and 
husband, upon a subject which holds nothing 
but disgust and abhorrence for her — David, 
so soon as he has sufficiently dried his eyes to 
be able to see out of them, instantly springs 
forward and taking her beautiful hand hang- 
ing listlessly by her side, covers it with pas- 
sionate kisses, murmuring little words of en- 
dearment as he does so. This act quickly 
soothes the only slightly ruffled feelings of the 
beautiful Princess. David then says in a voice 
slightly hoarse from his violent laughter, but 
without a trace of humour in either face or 
tones) : 
David. I fully sympathize, my love, with thee. 

It must have been e'en little short of Hell 
To make a man like Phalthiel observe 
Aught that to distance doth approximate ! 



46 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



Michal. I thank thee for that word my love 'twas "Hell" 
Hell in the day and a worse Hell by night. 
Ugh ! {Shuddering) How I stood it I can scarce 
make out — 
David. {Who with difficulty represses an almost irresisti- 
ble desire to laugh, says in unnaturally suave 
tones — the tones of a man smothering a laugh) 
How didst thou manage to circumvent him — 
For Phalti is a man full obstinate 
And Phalti hath an eye for thy fair sex — 
As marked an eye as ever I did see! 
Michal. By day I foiled him staying with the Queen. 

Although she likes thee not she doth love me — 
And being woman fully understood 
The horrors of my situation vile. 
She aided me in every way she could — 
Did give to Phaltiel an audience 
In which she plainly told him what was what. 
That he should be ashamed to force himself 
Upon a woman who did love him not! 
That as a chief in Israel he should 
Be far more circumspect t'wards womankind 
And not attempt to force unwilling love 
But humour it and strive to make it grow. 
Phalti, — who feared her power with the King 
Gave her her way full freely in the day 
And let me spend my whole and entire time 
Within the Inner Bower of the Queen. 
But {sighing) when night came my trouble did 
begin. 
(David triumphantly suppresses a desire to smile, 
and, instead, takes her hand and stroking it 
delicately, and with almost feminine tender- 
ness and sympathy, says, in tones so loio and 
velvety — so vibrant with comprehension — 
sympathy and camaraderie as to be as femin- 
inely sweet and musical in sound, as they are 
femininely sweet and sympathetic in senti- 
ment) : 
David. My love I utterly do comprehend 

The horror and the terror of that time ! 



SAUL AND DAVID 47 



{The Princess beams upon her lord and contin- 
ues) : 
Michal. At night I frankly said to Phaltiel 

That I would kill him if he e'en touched me — 
E'en brushed my cheek with a most fleeting kiss. 
I warned him if I failed in my attack — 
Attack on him — armed with this dagger here 

{Touching fleetingly the golden-hilted poniard 
at her girdle). 
I'd kill myself or ere the sun did rise — 
That I loved you and no sole man beside. 
That though against dread Saul I nought could do 
And must perforce obey his sovereign will 
Obedience was to the outward eye 
A semblance of obedience — no more! 
That I perforc'd appear to be his wife 
But in appearance only — not in fact. 
That my own chamber was my very own — 

That he should never cross its threshold's stone! 

Or day or night that that same room was mine. 

For two full weeks he argued and made plaint — 

Besought me to have pity on his love — 

I was as adamant and turned deaf ear. 

The third week he did try a little force — 

Seized me one night as I was going in 

And just before I shut and locked my door. 

A fearful struggle straightway did ensue ! 

He held my arms and kisses rained on me. 

My arms all pinioned my dagger useless was — 

He pushed me in and then kicked-to the door. 

Pd made my mind up that I would not scream. 

Or soon or late 'twould reach the ears of Saul. 

So I fought silent as a tiger-cat. 

I then determined what I straight would do. 

I sudden slipped my face swift past his own 

And caught his ear-lobe firm between my teeth! 
K (David starts. Recovering himself instantly 

he strokes her hand sympathetically and in si- 
lence). 

You well may start — for — so — did — Phaltiel! 

And did emit a yell ferociom-wild ! 



48 



SAULi AND DAVID 



As my teeth met in his left ear^s big lobe. 

(David starts again. Strokes her hand, and says 
in a low voice) : 

David. My own heroic darling! My own Queen! 
That kiss to Phaltiel I do grudge not. 

Michal. He flung me from him with his fullest force. 
I fell upon the bed but instant rose 
And in an instant drew my dagger keen. 
Its sharp point glistened in the lamp's pale beam. 
His gaze was riveted upon that point. 
It halted him. It gave him fullest pause. 
I nothing said, and nothing did say he. 
After a minute — as I calculate — 
The blood slow-dripping from his wounded ear 
Fell on his neck and roused him from his trance. 
He thereupon turned on his heel and left. 
And never from that night did he intrude 
Upon my privacy within my room. 
And never from that night did he refer 
To what had happened at that dreadful time. 
The counsel of the Queen I think he took 
And strove by humouring to win my love. 
And now my darling I have lift the veil 
That hung athwart our separation dread. 
Believe me, David, it doth rend my soul 
To lift the veil and tell what I did do — 
When I fought for mine honour and thine own! 
But had I not that veil of horror lift 
It would, my love, have hung betwixt us two. 
And tho' you never would have trenched thereon — 
Thou art too manly — too magnanimous — 

(David takes the Princess' delicate fingers in his 

own strong, but shapely hands, and tenderly, 

silently, passionately kisses them, holding them 

— after kissing them — against his lips) — 

'Twould have hung within the backward of thy 

mind 
The thought of that (with a shudder) emboldened 

me to speak 
(Sighing) How I did have the strength to do the 

deed — 



SAUL AND DAVID 49 

The strength of will — I mean — / do not know. 
Perhaps it was despair gave me the strength — 
Despair and thought of thee — my lonely love 
A hunted man within these awful Wilds — 
They gave me strength to do the awful deed. 
And now 'tis told and I have thee my own 
And where thou dwellest — that place is my home! 
David. {Taking her tenderly in his arms as she willingly 
leans forward from the patient and docile 
mule, and kissing her lovingly first on the 
forehead and then the eyes and then releasing 
her) — 
My own pure love — my lily virginal! 
I thank Jehovah thou didst what thou didst — 
I would have taken thee whatever had happed. 
( The Princess leans forward and lovingly strokes 
his beardless boyish cheek with her long slen- 
der fingers). 
I'd feared the worst {the Princess shudders and 

turns pale) and steeled my soul against. 
I feared you lacked the cold ferocity 
Without which thou could'st not the deed have 

done — 
But that thou hast it my grand glory is! 
It saved mine honour and it saved thine own! 
So, now my darling, kiss me and forget 
The dreadful time thou had'st with Phaltiel. 
{Once more they embrace with tender leve and 
affection. As he relinquishes her David says 
smilingly — stroking the mule^s glossy neck) : 
Thou faithful "Mithra" thou'rt my Princess' 

Throne ! 
You brought her to me and you hold her here 
Steady as tho' thy limbs were carved in stone 
Thine only movement is thy massive ear! 

{Taking an ear of the mule and gently pulling 
it through his hand hollowed to encompass 
same). 
I fear me that thy comfort here will flag 
Amongst these barren crags — haunt of wild goats 
Haunt of the coney and the stately stag — 



50 



SAUL AND DAVID 



But not the haunt— my "Mithra" — of thine oats! 
But times will change — and soon we shall go home — 
Home to thy stable nigh my Princess' house — 
Once we're safe home thou never more shalt roam 
But on the tender herb once more shall browse. 
Rock-hom was Mithra — "Mithra" is thy name 
So 'mongst these rocks thou should'st not loud com- 
plain. 
{During this speech to the mule the Princess 
looks lovingly upon her favourite and gently 
strokes its neck. Upon concluding David's 
face instantly becomes grave and he says in an 
almost abrupt — almost cold tone — so deeply 
do his thoughts colour his feeling) : 
And now my darling we must straight be off. 
One word before we go — we follow Saul — 
(The Princess starts in alarm). 
Michal. Follow my Father/ — David — what aiVst thou! 

'Tis madness — 'tis to beard the lion's self! 
David. Beyond all doubt what thou dost say is true 
But I have Orders from Jehovah J ah. 

(The Princess turns pale and bows her head rev- 
erently. Presently she says in an awed tone) : 
Michal. Is it permitted that thou tellest me 

When these same dreaded Orders thou'st received. 
David. It is my darling — on this very spot. 

(The Princess starts in amazement and says in 
awed tones) : 
Michal. Was I here present when you got the same? 
David. Thou wert, my dear, they followed on the fight. 

'Twas just before I th'order gave to march — 
Michal. I do remember me — thy face did change 

You for a moment stood as rapt in trance. 
David. 'Twas then the dread Decree was given me. 
It did not state what I was next to do 
When in five miles of Hachilah I stopped. 
Michal. (Sighing deeply.) My pride in thee as our Je- 
hovah's man — 
The man to work His plans out in this world — 
Is chastened David, by an awful dread. 



SAUL AND DAVID 51 

[Taking David's hand and holding it within her 
own). 
The Lord ordains such dreadful things to do! 
Such fearful risks — such hair-breadth happenings/ 
My heart grows sick when I do think thereon. 
My very marrow chills within my bones! 
David. (/Softening his recent tones at the sincere alarm 
depicted upon the countenance of the Princess 
— as he in turn takes her hand and after kiss- 
ing it tenderly and while stroking it says in 
soft tones) : 
My darling thy same words were in my soul 
When first this awful role was thrust on me — 
When Samuel my mission did impart. 
But rest assured the Lord our God doth live! 
His Throne is Heaven and this earth' 's his stool! 
He is as Just as He is Generous 
As Loving as He's Steadfast and He's true. 
I must be tempered as a warrior's blade. 
Tried in the fire — forged to a hard dread edge — 
To fit me for the purpose of the Lord. 
'Tis not my wish but 'tis JehovaKs wish. 
And once His wish I know, I sink mine own. 
'Tis hard to do — my heart grows faint at times — 
Those are the times when He is forging it. 
When all is easy nothing feeds the soul 
The body fattens but the spirit pales. 
''Tis Trial and Temptation build the soul 
Strengthen her rafters mould her lofty dome 
And model her to ffi Mansions of the Blest! 
Think not I preach my sweetheart and my bride 
Think not I preach God knows I do not so — 
/ simply frankly state what I believe. 

(Sighing heavily and once more kissing the 
Princess' hand). 
There is an awful mystery in life. 
This I know not — but this I firm believe — 
That God Himself is bound by dreadful Laws 
Which even He Himself must eke obey! 
The Prophet Gad did hint the same to me 
But on their awful side did he not dwell. 



52 



SAUL AND DAVID 



This being so / credit give the Lord 
For always doing the best thing He can 
Under the fell restrictions of this life. 
Thou se'st my love mine's not a rosy bed — 
No bed of flowers decked with garlands gay ! 
I do not doubt the Lord hut I doubt life — 
This cauldron boiling which we term the world. 
It is a dreadful task the Lord hath got 
To tend that cauldron and its vile contents — 
The vile and treacherous heart of wicked man. 
I think my darling I have said enough 
To show that Care and Woe do visit me 
And share my bed and share my scanty board. 
Thus are we comrades — thou and I — mine own 
By the dread Hand of God together thrown. 
Michal. Thy sympathy doth hearten me to trust 

That all may yet be well in this dread world. 
David. (A sunny smile brightening like the sun his beau- 
tiful — but heretofore — melancholy counte- 
nance) . 
There spoke my Michal and my comrade brave ! 
We now must start my love — the hour hath come. 
(David thereupon raises his clarion voice slightly 
and says) : 
Adino. Forward with thy stout Rear-Guard! 
(In a few moments Adino appears at the head of 
his men and with a small body of Skirmishers 
thrown out David — between the Princess and 
Adino — at its head — sets the Column in motion 
and marches off the stage in the direction 
taken by the Rear-Guard). 



End of Act II, Scene I. 



SAUL AND DAVID 53 

ACT II. 

Scene II. 

Time: Sunset, the same day. 

The curtain is lowered half a minute between Scenes I and II. 

{On the Hill of Hachilah. In the distance — at the rear 
of the stage — the hill dissolves itself into a wild Valley. The 
King is seated upon a rude Throne of hewn cedar logs, the 
counterpart- of that in Act II, Scene I. A small clump of 
cedars shades the spot. The Troops are encamped about the 
King variously occupied in preparing for the night. By his 
side at the left stands Doeg the Edomite — his sullen counte- 
nance if possible even more sombre than heretofore. Abner is 
standing a few paces from the King in respectful silence. The 
Throne is on the left of the, stage. Saul gazes abstractedly 
into the distant Valley. His spear is in his right hand. Sud- 
denly — with an impatient backward and upward jerk of the 
head — he says in deep guttural tones like the low growl of a 
huge beast) : 

Saul. What in the name of all the mystery 

That e'er did emanate from Hell itself 
Makes Phaltiel so late at this our tryst! 
He should have been here full two long hours gone. 
His sluggish nature maketh my soul sick. 
Who'd think him so-in-law unto the King! 
I sometimes do regret I made him so — 
But anything to rid me of that man 
Who my life blasts by his vile treachery ! 
Would I could find him in this Desert vile — 
This harbourage for conies and wild goats — 
For broken men and bandits from all lands 
Who foul disgrace it to my Kingdom's shame. 
But I shall purge it ere my work is done! 
I'll search each nook and hole and cranny out 
And find this demon David and him hang — 



54 SAUL. AND. DAVID 

Him and his crew upon these Desert trees. 
One after one I'll string them to a tree. 
For they're not trees enow to serve the Band ! 
Doeg, where thinkest thou that David is? 
Doeg. My Liege I cannot guess — upon my life! 

Think as I may the game eludeth me. 
Saul. What would'st thou do if thou didst chance on 

him? 
Doeg. I'd slay him out of hand my noble Liege 

The son of Jesse did I never like. 
Saul. And why not Doeg — had'st thou any cause? 

Doeg. No cause but that he plays the harp my Liege. 

I love not music an it please the King. 
Saul. So thou would'st kill him on that sole account? 

Doeg. I do not say for that alone my Liege 

But that and his defection from thy Grace. 
Saul. (After a pause) Doeg, I sometimes think that thou 

dost lie 
And aim to please me with an oily tongue. 
Doeg. (Frowning darkly) No other man in all wide 

Israel 
Save the King's grace could make that charge and 
live. 
Saul. Ha ! Doeg darest thou to threaten me ! 

Doeg. I threaten not the King, I only say 

No one save the King's grace could make that 
charge. 
Saul. (After a pause) Doeg, I sometimes think that thou 

art false 
And only servest me for thine own ends. 
Doeg. (Frowning darkly) No man but thee my Liege 

dare make that charge. 
Saul. (After a pause) Doeg, I sometimes think thee cow- 

ardly — 
Doeg. {Starting violently) By the Eternal I'll not stand 

that charge! 
Saul. Ho ! Abner straight arrest this mutineer 

And lock him up in irons for the night. 
Doeg. (Paling and throwing himself at the King's feet 

as he murmurs in hoarse broken accents in 



SAUL AND DAVID 55 

which shame and humility are Wended, but in 
which no trace of fear is to be found) : 
My Liege forgive me — I was wild with pain! 
Thy Kingly words did pierce my very soul 
And sear the marrow in my very bones. 
Forgive me King — forgive thy servant blunt, 
Thou knowest I'd lay down my life for thee. 
It is not fear that makes me thus to bow — 
I fear not death — I scoff at the idea — 
But shame's a thing that eats my very heart — 
And to be foul disgraced before the Host 
Doth fill my soul with dread far more than death. 
Forgive me King — forgive thy servant true! 
{The King — who during this speech has been ex- 
amining Doeg's tone to see if it is sincere, his 
face if it is sincere, and his actions if they 
are sincere — says in a mild and almost fleas- 
ant tone) : 
Saul. Arise stout Doeg and fear nought from me. 

I did but test thee Doeg — nothing more. 
I aimed to see if there was one sole thing 
That thou would'st not support from me thy King. 
That thing was shame, and glad am I you failed. 
In that thy taste and mine do jump alike. 
Hate and Contempt I differentiate. 
Traitor I Hate — but Coward I despise. 
Liar I Hate — but Coward I despise. 
And so with ihee — in thy rough boorish way. 
Liar and traitor thou didst swallow whole — 
Thou likedst not the draught — but gulped it down. 
But when a common coward I thee called 
Thine awe of me that instant did take wing 
And left thee little short of mutineer. 
So now cheer up stout Doeg staunch and true! 
And take this purse of gold I hand to thee. 
{Hands Doeg a purse from a scrip at his girdle). 
Doeg. {Who has risen and resumed his post at the King's 

left hand, eagerly grasps this mark of Royal 
favour, and greedily pouches it in a scrip at 
his own belt, bowing low as he does so, and 
saying in tones the nearest approaching pleas- 



56 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



ant he has as yet uttered in all the course of 
his life with the King, says with a grin — 
which throws the frightful scar disfiguring 
his sinister countenance into relief) : 
My Liege I humbly thank thee for this gift 
'Twill help me in the time when I am old. 

{Just at this moment a commotion is seen to oc- 
cur. Soldiers leap to their feet and drop their 
hands angrily upon their sword-hilts and a 
murmur — low at first but rapidly rising to a 
loud roar of rage — fills the camp. Saul starts 
angrily at this breach of discipline, and is 
about to shout out a threatening order, when 
the spectacle of the wounded Phaltiel upon 
his stretcher draws into view. Saul leaps 
from the Throne brandishing involuntarily 
his formidable spear. So soon as Phaltiel's 
stretcher approaches, Saul exclaims in tones of 
thunder — his eyes flaming like coals of fire) : 
Saul. Who in the name of G — d hath done this thing! 

Phaltiel. (In a voice weak from loss of blood and the pain 
and fatigue of his trying journey, says with 
an approach to ferocity) : 
David the son of Jesse gave me this. 

(Saul is actually speechless — for the very first 
time in his accentuated career — with rage. His 
breathing sounds like that of a wild beast 
caught in a trap and struggling for freedom. 
For some moments he stands thus. Gradual- 
ly he recovers the use of his lungs and roars 
out) : 
How did it happen — speak — upon thy life! 
Phaltiel. My Liege I'd hardly entered on this Waste 
When David did surprise me with his men. 
His force was four to one for what I had. 
He then proposed that we should fight alone. 
We fought — and to this pass have I now come. 
Saul. But why should he fight thee and not thy men! 

Phaltiel. My Liege he said that I had injured him 

In taking Michal and so challenged me. 
Saul. Thinks he so much of Michal at this day? 



SAUL AND DAVID 



57 



Phaltiel. He doth my Liege. His love for her's sincere. 
Saul. I'd thought thy taking her had ended that. 

Phaltiel. 'Tis just the contrary my gracious Liege. 
Saul. Umph ! This smells of mystery upon my troth. 

Phaltiel. No mystery is here — 'tis love my Liege — 

Deep love for Michal — love — and nothing more. 
Saul. {After a long pause during which he eyes Phaltiel 

with a piercing and terrible scrutiny. At the 
end of the aforesaid silent inquisition the King 
says in icy tones) : 
Refresh thyself and take a needed rest — 
First let me glimpse thy wound — is't serious? 
Phaltiel. {Relieved beyond words at getting off without dis- 
covering the Michal incident — says in a strong- 
er and more confident tone that he has yet em- 
ployed) : 
Nought serious my Liege but somewhat deep. 
Some inches here his sword did penetrate. 

{Pointing to the wound which Saul is examining 
attentively) . 
Saul. 'Tis a shrewd thrust but scarcely more than that — 

Go now unto thy rest good Phaltiel. 

(Phaltiel's stretcher is borne away to a rude 
shelter of boughs which Soldiers under Ab- 
ner's eye are hastily preparing for the for- 
mer's reception. So soon as Phaltiel is out of 
ear-shot Saul says in peremptory tones reson- 
ant with suspicion and scarcely suppressed 
rage to Doeg) : 
Send hither Maharai without delay. 

(Doeg salutes and stalks off. In a brief space 
he returns accompanied by the Officer in com- 
mand of Phaltiel's Troop. Maharai is a stern 
man of middle-age — a veteran of the wars of 
Saul. He salutes in abrupt military fashion 
and stands at attention. The King eyes him 
■ with a piercing glance and then says in stern 
tones altogether different from any he has yet 
used in the History here set forth — tones m 
which there is neither anger nor friendliness, 
merely the mechanical out-going of his breath, 



58 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



articulating words with military precision)'. 

Pray Maharai a brief report give me 

Of the occurrences upon thy march. 
Maharai. Nothing of note dread King until we came 

Upon the outskirts of the Wilderness. 

Arriving there an ambush was unmasked. 

The Princess Michal — 

(Saul — starting as though a serpent had bitten 
him and almost springing upon Maharai m his 
fury as he roars out) : 

The Princess Michal! What, man, dost thou mean? 

What I did say, dread King, no more no less. 

But what thou say est passeth all belief! 

It passeth not the truth — an't please the King. 

■Say once again what thou didst just now say. 

Arriving on the outskirts of this Waste 

An ambush, on a sudden, was unmasked. 

The Princess Michal — 

Those are the words which I did wait to catch ! 

How came it that the Princess was with ye? 

That I know not my Liege. She came. That's all. 

What happened when the ambush did unmask? 

The son of Jesse leapt forth with his men. 

The Princess had advanced some dozen yards 

Beyond our Troop and was surpassed byth' foe. 

She disappeared behind a rock at once. 

The son of Jesse then came forth and said 

His quarrel was with Phalti not with us — 

So he proposed a combat on the spot — 

Saying he'd wound Phalti but not him kill. 

(Saul almost beside himself with suppressed fury 
now breaks forth with a roar) : 
Saul. Is he a God to hand out wounds or death 

Just as he pleaseth — like Jehovah J ah! 
Maharai. That — please the King — I've put no thought upon. 
Saul. {With a frightful grimace of distorted lips) : 

Continue with thy tale, it interests me. 
Maharai. Phalti accepted and the fight began. 

The son of Jesse wounded him forthwith. 

Phalti fought well but wounded swift was he. 

Thereafter did we wend upon our way. 



Saul. 

Maharai. 

Saul. 

Maharai. 

Saul. 

Maharai. 



Saul. 

Maharai. 

Saul. 

Maharai. 



SAUL AND DAVID 59 

Saul. I thank thee Maharai for thy brief tale. 

'Twas briefly told — as briefly as 'twas well. 

(Maharai salutes the King and retires with a 
long mechanical military stride). 

Now for to see my hopeful son-in-law. 

(Saul strides to the shelter in which Phaltiel now 
reposes. Waving away the small group of 
soldiers at the door of the shelter the King 
enters abruptly stooping his lofty stature to 
do so. He finds Phaltiel in the deep sleep of 
a man so fatigued and racked by pain that his 
sleep approaches a stupor. From this stupor 
he is rudely awakened by Saul who shakes him 
roughly by the shoulder for some moments be- 
fore succeeding in rousing the sleeper. 
When he finally succeeds Phaltiel is so dazed 
by the depth of his slumbers that he at first 
fails to recognize the dreaded King. Present- 
ly the vigorous jolts of the King have an ef- 
fect, and Phaltiel recognizes that he is con- 
fronted by his Father-in-law. A single glance 
at the face of Saul is sufficient to apprise the 
unfortunate Phaltiel that the worst has hap- 
pened, and that Saul has discovered the truth. 
Though a brave man the prospect — particular- 
ly in his present helpless condition — appalls 
him. Inadvertently he strives to rise, and that 
reopens the wound which begins to bleed 
afresh. Saul notes this detail with absolute 
indifference, and begins in tones as inhuman 
as hatred and digust ever succeeded in making 
human tones inhuman) : 

Thou dolt and villain! Thou most hair-brained 



man 



I have a mind to smite thee spite thy wound. 
What in the name of all the thousand Fiends 
That people Hell — if not this Hellish world — 
Induced thee to bring Michal with thee here? 

Phaltiel. My Liege — forgive me — but she cajoled me. 

Saul. Cajoled thee— and thou a Man-of-War! 



60 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



Phaltiel. 



Phaltiel. 

Saul. 

Phaltiel. 
Saul. 



My Liege, I'm weak where women are concerned. 

"Weak? 8" not the word! A dolt! A fool art thou! 

/ never heard the like since I was made! 

My Liege I do admit my gross offence 

And crave forgiveness — I can nothing more. 

Forgiveness! And from me! And for this thing! 

Never! — whilst I'm alive and know my mind! 

My Liege I suffer from this wound deep pain — 

That is the first thing thou hast said I liked! 

Phalti thou art the most consummate fool 

Thatfs to be found throughout all Israel! 

So help me G — d thy like I've never seen! 

To bring thy wife into this damned hole — 

This vile abomination of a waste 

Fit but for wild goats and scarce fit for them — 

A place for man to gaze and wonder at 

That God made such a sink and called it earth ! 

A very robber's Den — an outlaw's Hold 

No modest female ever ventured in ! 

To bring my daughter to the like of this! 

She! The proud Michal — nice fastidious — 

Haughty in all her ways in all her moods — 

Most hard to please — exacting in her ways — 

Eeady to turn her nose and sniff at aught! 

To bring that creature here surpasseth me! 

But I have not yet trenched upon the thing 

That most doth prove thy folly and thy shame. 

To bring her here where that man hath his Hold — 

He and his ruffians here entrenched lie 

Eeady to pounce and prey on anything! 

As well bring lambkin to the den of wolf ! 

As well bring heifer to a slaughter-house! 

As bring an honest woman to this Den! 

Never in all my life of stormy years 

Beset by man and e'en beset by God — 

Who sent a Spirit to torment my soul — 

Never in all my wide experience 

Of Pain and Woe and Follies of mankind 

Have I the equal of thy folly met! 

It passeth all my strength to picture it! 

Language doth freeze and eloquence is mute. 



SAUL AN D D A V I D 61 

Thou art the King of fools beyond dispute. 
No more I'll say I loathe the sound of tongue — 
For by the tongue of woman thou'rt undone. 
Farewell, Phaltiel— Phalti fare thee well 
But never see my face this side of Hell. 

(With these ominous words the dreaded King 
turns in disgust and towing his lofty crest 
stalks from the room, leaving Phaltiel more 
dead than alive — a prey to physical pain, men- 
tal anguish, and ruined worldly hopes. On 
leaving the shelter the King motions to a Sol- 
dier to enter and attend to Phaltiel's physical 
wants. Saul then — his head bowed in an an- 
guish of despair and disgust — moves dejected- 
ly to his own quarters — wraps himself in his 
mantle and lies down to sleep. Silence soon 
envelopes the sleeping Host. The hours roll 
by, and midnight is approaching when two 
dark Shadows are seen stealthily approaching 
the sleeping form of the King. The two 
Shadows — so to speak — regard the sleeping 
Monarch in silence. Presently the Second says 
in a hushed whisper to the Shadow slightly m 
advance of him) 
Second Shadow. God hath delivered thine enemy into 

Thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite 

him 
I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth 
At once, and I will not smite the second time. 
First Shadow. Destroy him not : for who can stretch forth 
his hand 
Against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? 
As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him 
Or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend 
Into battle, and perish. The Lord forbid 
That I should stretch forth mine hand against the 
Lord's anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now 
The spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse 
Of water, and let us go. 

(Then the Shadows steal away. Presently a 
voice on top of a hill afar off cries) 



62 SAUL AND DAVID 



The Voice. Answerest thou not Abner ? 

(Then Abner answered and said) 
Abner. Who art thou that criest to the King? 
The Voice. Art thou not a valiant man ? And who is like 
To thee in Israel? Wherefore then hast thou 
Not kept thy lord the King ? For there came one 
Of the people in to destroy the King thy lord. 
This thing is not good that thou hast done. As 

the Lord 
Liveth, ye are worthy to die because 
Ye have not kept your master, the Lord's anointed. 
And now see where the King's spear is, and the 

cruse 
Of water that was at his bolster. 

(And Saul knew David's voice and said) : 
Saul. Is this thy voice, my son David {And the Voice 

said) 
It is my voice my lord, O King. 

(And he said) 
Wherefore doth my Lord thus pursue after 
His servant ? For what have I done ? Or what 
Evil is in mine hand ? Now therefore, I pray thee, 
Let my lord the King hear the words of his ser- 
vant. 
If the Lord have stirred thee up against me 
Let Him accept an offering: but if they be 
The children of men, cursed be they before 
The Lord ; for they have driven me out this day 
From abiding in the inheritance 
Of the Lord, saying, Go, serve other gods. 
Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth 
Before the face of the Lord: for the King 
Of Israel is come out to seek a flea 
As when one doth hunt a partridge in the moun- 
tains. 
(Then said Saul) 
I have sinned: return, my son David 
For I will no more do thee harm, because 
My soul was precious in thine eyes this day. 
Behold, I have played the fool, and have erred 
Exceedingly (and David answered and said) 



SAUL AND DAVID 63 

David. Behold the King's spear ! and let one of the young 
men 
Come over and fetch it. The Lord render 
To every man his righteousness and his 
Faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee 
Into my hand to-day, but I would not 
Stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's 

anointed. 
And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day 
In mine eyes, so let my life be much set by 
In the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver 
Me out of all tribulation. 
{Then Saul said to David) 
Saul. Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt 

Both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. 
{So David went on his way, and Saul returned 
to his place). 

End or Scene II. 



64 SAUL. AND DAVID 

Scene III. 

Same as Scene II. 

Time : Sunset one week later. 

The curtain is lowered one minute between Scenes II and III. 

(As the curtain rises Saul is discovered standing at bay 
with Doeg the Eclomite by his side. The Philistines have 
either slain or scattered his Army — war having broken out in 
the interim between Scene II and Scene III. Saul is as yet 
unwounded and in full vigour of combat — as is Doeg. Saul 
has his back to the rough Throne of logs shown in' Scene II. 
About him lie the 'corpses of his Body-Guard intermingled 
with the corpses of the Philistines whom they have slain, in 
making the Guard's last stand. The Philistines are before 
him in a semi-circle. Saul has cast his spear and is fighting 
solely with his sword and shield. His armour — as is Doeg : s 
is uninjured by the combat thus far. Saul casts a leonine 
look ah out him, and glaring at the encircling Philistine Chief- 
tains and their serried Ranks says in resonant tones) : 

Saul. Ye foul uncircumcised and cringing curs 

Ye dare not close with Saul — Is?*aeVs King! 
Ye dare not trust your filthy carcasses 
Within the sword-sweep of his deadly arm ! 
/ challenge any three of ye to fight! 
Come fight me now and prove your worth as men! 
Come fight me now and feel the edge oHK sword! 
(The haughty € hie f tains of the Philistines show 
signs of shame at these taunting words. The 
Leader whispers to his men and presently 
four Gigantic Combatants appear. ,Tall as is 
Saul their great height makes his towering 
and massive stature seem almost ordinary. 
Seeing them emerge from the bristling array 
before him, the dreaded King — with death as 
certain as the sun above him — now drawing to 



SAUL AND DAVID 65 



the close of a hard — a desperately fought — 
day — seeing these four descendants of the 
"Sons of Aiiak" approach — armed with swords 
to match their vast height and hulk — 
and shields to conform — the dreaded King 
smiles as he has not smiled in years — a smile 
°f i°y — °f almost boyish eagerness — as he 
crouches under his glittering shield — with his 
sicord moving restlessly beside it — awaiting a 
victim in which to flesh its hungry edge. Doeg 
as full of the joy of battle as his King, stands 
shoulder to shoulder with him — his massive 
frame quivering with joy at the prospect of at 
last getting to grips with an elusive foe. Saul 
says joyfully to Doeg, as the Philistines ap- 
proach) : 
Ha ! Doeg my stout friend — Death levels all — 
The King and Foot-Soldier are all as one! 
Death levels all — all rank — and makes a King 
The friend of his stout Henchman-to-the-death ! 
Forgive me Doeg — if IVe wounded thee — 
My tongue is rough — and thou hast felt its edge 
In the long years that thou hast been with me. 
Doeg. (With more show of emotion than his surly tem- 

perament would have suggested, says in deep 
mastiff -like growls) : 
Thou'st more than paid for ought thou'st ever said 
In bounty to thine Henchman — please the King. 
Saul. There spoke stout Doeg of my Body -Guard! 

(The Philistines have now come within sword- 
sweep. Without waiting a moment the grim 
King — thwarted all day of his lust for 
slaughter — hurls him>self sword-first upon the 
nearest Foe — and before his slower-moving An- 
tagonist is aware of what is happening — the 
Philistine has received the sword of the King 
full in his face — between his very teeth — and 
falls back dead. Quicker than thought the 
King applys the same lohirlioind-like swift- 
ness and force of thrust to the face of his sec- 
ond Adversary — who follows the example of 



SAUL. AND DAVID 



the first Foe slain and falls hack dead. The 
King then glances towards Doeg and sees that 
his stout Follower is somewhat overmatched 
by his Gigantic Opponent. Doeg— lacking the 
terrible swiftness of action marking Saul's 
least movement — when fighting to the death — 
is at a loss how to combat the vast bulk of his 
Adversary. Saul instantly turns his attention 
to Doeg's Opponent and hurling himself upon 
him, first ham-strings him with one stroke — 
like the tongue of a vast serpent — of his 
sword — and then as he totters thrusts his 
blade through his neck. The Philistine falls 
back an inert mass, and Doeg and Saul have 
only one more Opponent to face. Together 
they breast him and he too soon follows his 
predecessors to the Land of Spirits. Saul 
wipes his sword upon the tunic of his fallen 
Foe and smiling joyfully says to Doeg) : 
Ne^er did I have a bout I liked more! 

{The Philistine Chieftains aghast at such havoc 
in so short a space of time, again whisper or- 
ders—and twenty men of unusual height ap- 
pear for the next struggle. Saul and Doeg 
know that their time has come. Saul turns to 
Doeg and says in tones as joyful and reson- 
ant as before his first encounter that day) : 
To-night we twain will sup with Samuel! 

(Doeg shudders as he remembers the prophecy — 
since fulfilled — of Samuel — but swiftly recov- 
ers his sang froid — and murmurs with an at- 
tempt at a friendly smile which is really a 
grin of amused saturnine humour) : 

Doeg. Our fare — my Liege — can scarce be toorse than 

here! 

Saul. Well said! — Stout Doeg! — I'm fully of thy mind! 

(The on-coming Philistines soon bear down upon 

them, and both are engulfed in a sea of 

swords. On emerging from the melee Saul 

says smiling grimly) : 



SAUL AND DAVID 67 

I'm still of thine opinion on Hell's fare. 

(Both Saul and Doeg are severely wounded in 
more than one place. The Philistines how- 
ever are afraid to approach them — so costly is 
this last encounter with the dreaded King and 
his sturdy Supporter. The Philistine Chief- 
tain thereupon, once more whispers a Com- 
mand,' and this time a Band of Archers come 
forth, and prepare to draw their bows and 
shoot the wounded Monarch and his faithful 
Follower to death — at a safe distance. Saul — 
bleeding profusely as he is — nevertheless in- 
stantly grasps the new turn of events. He 
thereupon 'says in a low hoarse voice — hoarse 
with baffled fury at being thus estopped from 
dying in action and at close quarters as he 
had hoped — to Doeg — hurriedly and before 
the arrows shall have time to so wound himself 
and Doeg as to render self-slaughter impos- 
sible) : 

Draw thy sword and thrust me through therewith 
— lest 

These uncircumcised come and thrust me through 

And abuse me! 

(But Doeg shrinks from that. Therefore Saul 
takes his sword and falls upon it — and his 
mighty spirit leaves its earthly frame. Doeg 
— seeing that his Lord is dead — falls likewise 
upon his sword and dies with him). 
The End. 



PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. 

These are the last plays Mr. Chaloner proposes to pub- 
lish — though not the last he will write — by any means — until 
his suit to recover his property — his case of iChaloner against 
Sherman — now pending before the Supreme Court of the 
United States — reaches a hearing — on or about June first, 
nineteen hundred and seventeen. 

PAUMETTO PRESS, 
Roanoke Rapids, 
North Carolina, 
December 10, 1915. 



JSSbBBS 

■-■"■"'■••■'■■■.' ■; ''■>■'' ■ 



■-'■' M» ; v" •'■■ 

UHK23 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



vm 




018 603 768 6 



